اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِفُلانِ بْنِ فُلانٍ، وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ في المَهْدِيِّينَ، وَاخْلُفْهُ في عَقِبِهِ في الغَابِرِينَ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنا وَلَهُ يا رَبَّ العالَمِينَ، وَافْسَحْ لَهُ في قَبْرِهِ وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فيهِ
O Allah, forgive [Name of the deceased] son of [Father's Name], and elevate his rank among those who are guided. And grant his descendants who are left behind. And forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds. And widen his grave and illuminate it for him.
Allahummaghfir lifulaani bni fulaanin, warfa' darajatahu fil-mahdiyyeen, wakhlafhu fi 'aqibihi fil-ghabireen, waghfir lana wa lahu ya Rabb al-'alamin, wafsah lahu fi qabrihi wa nawwir lahu feehi.
When to Read
This supplication is appropriate to recite for any Muslim who has passed away, regardless of their earthly allegiances or conflicts. While the specific wording here is for a general Muslim deceased, the principle of seeking Allah's mercy for all creation extends even to those who were enemies in this life. We ask Allah for His guidance and mercy upon them, recognizing that only He has the final judgment.
How to Read
When reciting this dua, it is best to do so with sincere intention and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of the words, seeking Allah's infinite mercy. If you know the name of the deceased and their father's name, you can insert them. Otherwise, the general prayer suffices. It is a private act of worship and reflection.
Virtues & Benefits
Praying for the deceased, even those who were enemies in this life, is a demonstration of our Islamic values of compassion and seeking Allah's forgiveness for all. It reminds us that worldly conflicts are temporary, and Allah's mercy is eternal. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to pray for forgiveness for the deceased, as our prayers can benefit them in the grave and in the hereafter. The Hadith states: 'When a human dies, all his deeds end except for three: a continuous charity, knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for him.' (Sahih Muslim 1631). This dua is an extension of that principle.
Source & Authentication
The full hadith in Sunan Abi Dawud (3204) describes the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ teaching his companions how to pray for the deceased. The specific wording provided is one version of this supplication, with variations existing in other authentic narrations. The core request is for Allah's forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased, and to grant them a spacious and lit grave.