اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِفُلَانٍ (اسم المتوفى) وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ، وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ، وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ، وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، وَأَبْدِلْهُ دَارًا خَيْرًا مِنْ دَارِهِ، وَأَهْلًا خَيْرًا مِنْ أَهْلِهِ، وَزَوْجًا خَيْرًا مِنْ زَوْجِهِ، وَأَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ، وَأَعِذْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَمِنْ عَذَابِ النَّارِ.
O Allah, forgive [name of the deceased], have mercy on him, grant him safety, and pardon him. Make his resting place honorable and his entrance spacious. Wash him with water, snow, and hail. Cleanse him from sins just as a white garment is cleansed from dirt. Replace his home with a better home, his family with a better family, and his spouse with a better spouse. Admit him into Paradise and protect him from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Fire.
Allahumma-ghfir li fulaan (name of the deceased) warhamhu wa 'aafihi wa'fu 'anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu wa wassi' madkhalahu, waghsilhu bil-maa'i wath-thalji wal-baradi, wa naqqihi minal-khataaya kamaa yunaqqath-thawbul-abyadhu minad-danasi, wa abdilhu daaran khayran min daarihi, wa ahlan khayran min ahlihi, wa zawjan khayran min zawjihi, wa adkhilhul-jannata, wa a'idhhu min 'adhab-il-qabri wa min 'adhabin-naar.
When to Read
This supplication is particularly potent on Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and proclaims: 'Is there anyone asking, so I can give him? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, so I can forgive him?' (Sahih Muslim 758). Making dua for the deceased during this blessed night is a profound act of worship and a beautiful way to connect with our loved ones who have passed on. You can recite this anytime during Laylat al-Qadr, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known to intensify his worship.
How to Read
When reciting this dua, remember to sincerely intend the forgiveness and mercy for the deceased person. Replace 'falaan' (the placeholder for the name) with the actual name of the person you are praying for. It's best to recite it with humility and earnestness, reflecting on the mercy of Allah and the vulnerability of our deceased brothers and sisters. Making dua for others in their absence is a noble act that carries immense reward, as angels pray for the one who prays for others: 'And for you to be similar to it.' (Sahih Muslim 2732).
Virtues & Benefits
Praying for forgiveness for the deceased is a continuous charity that benefits them even after their passing. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'When a person dies, all their deeds end except for three: a continuous charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.' (Sahih Muslim 1631). Making this dua on Laylat al-Qadr amplifies its potential impact, as acts of worship during this night are multiplied manifold. It shows our love and remembrance for those who have gone before us, fulfilling a part of their legacy through our ongoing connection with Allah.
Source & Authentication
Sahih Muslim 963: Narrated by 'Auf bin Malik Al-Ashja'i (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ praying for a deceased person, and I memorized his supplication. He said: 'O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him safety, and pardon him. Make his resting place honorable and his entrance spacious. Wash him with water, snow, and hail. Cleanse him from sins just as a white garment is cleansed from dirt. Replace his home with a better home, his family with a better family, and his spouse with a better spouse. Admit him into Paradise and protect him from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Fire.'