اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ 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 him, have mercy on him, grant him ease, and pardon him. Make his entrance noble and expand his grave. Wash him with water, snow, and hail. Cleanse him from sins 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 torment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.
Allahumma-ghfir lahu warhamhu wa 'afihi wa 'fu 'anhu wa akrim nuzulahu wa wassi' mudkhalahu waghsilhu bil-ma'i wath-thalji wal-baradi wa naqqihi minal-khataya kama yunaqqath-thawbul-abyadu minad-danasi wa abdilhu daran khairan min darihi wa ahlan khairan min ahlihi wa zawjan khairan min zawjihi wa adkhilhul-jannata wa a'idhhu min 'adhabril-qabri wa min 'adhabin-nar
When to Read
This profoundly comprehensive dua is primarily recited during the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) for any deceased Muslim. However, its essence is a heartfelt plea for Allah's boundless mercy and forgiveness, making it suitable to recite for the deceased at any time. When we learn of a Muslim's passing, especially if they were someone who may have fallen short, committed sins, or perhaps erred due to ignorance during their lifetime, this dua becomes particularly poignant. It is a humble request to Allah to overlook their shortcomings, purify them from all sins, and grant them the ultimate reward of Paradise, protecting them from the torments of the grave and Hellfire. It’s a powerful expression of our hope in Allah's all-encompassing mercy for the departed, regardless of their past deeds, as long as they died upon Islam.
How to Read
When reciting this dua, focus on the profound meanings of each phrase. Whether you are leading or praying behind an Imam in a Janazah prayer, or making private supplication, let your heart be present. Begin by acknowledging Allah's greatness, then sincerely ask for His forgiveness (غفران), mercy (رحمة), and protection. Envision the purification and replacement of everything worldly with something better in the Hereafter. You can recite this dua in Arabic, and reflect on its translation. Reciting it multiple times, with full conviction, enhances its impact, embodying the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in seeking the best for our deceased brothers and sisters.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a powerful act of ibadah (worship) and an immense benefit for the deceased, as it is a direct supplication for Allah's forgiveness, mercy, and entry into Jannah. It aligns perfectly with the Prophet's ﷺ teaching that the dua of a Muslim for another Muslim is heard and accepted by Allah, particularly for the deceased. Awf bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), who narrated this dua, said: 'I wished I had been the deceased (to receive such a comprehensive prayer).' This highlights the profound nature and comprehensive scope of the blessings sought in this supplication. For us, the living, it is an act of showing care, fulfilling our duty towards the departed, and a reminder of our own mortality and the mercy we too will one day hope for from Allah. It cultivates empathy, reinforces our belief in the Hereafter, and strengthens our connection to the Ummah.
Source & Authentication
Awf bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ offered a funeral prayer and I memorized from his supplication: 'O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him ease, and pardon him. Make his entrance noble and expand his grave. Wash him with water, snow, and hail. Cleanse him from sins 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 torment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.'" Awf bin Malik said: "I wished I had been the deceased (to receive such a comprehensive prayer)."