اَللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِفُلاَنٍ، وَارْحَمْهُ، وَعَافِهِ، وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ، وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ، وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ، وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ، وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الأَبْيَضُ 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 deceased], have mercy upon him, grant him well-being, pardon him, honor his reception, make his grave spacious, cleanse him with water, snow, and hail. Purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from dirt. Replace his home with a better one, his family with a better one, and his spouse with a better one. Admit him to Paradise and protect him from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Fire.
Allahumma-ghfir li fulan, war-hamhu, wa 'afihi, wa'fu 'anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi' mudkhalahu, waghsilhu bil-ma'i wath-thalji wal-baradi, wa naqqihi minal-khataaya kama yunaqqath-thawbul-abyadu minad-danasi, wa abdilhu daaran khayran min daarih, wa ahlan khayran min ahlih, wa zawjan khayran min zawcih, wa adkhilhul-jannata, wa a'idh-hu min 'adhadhil-qabri wa min 'adhadhin-naar.
When to Read
This dua is specifically for the funeral prayer and for reciting after the burial. However, the general principle of supplicating for the deceased is encouraged at any time. For those who pass away with unresolved issues or questions left with their loved ones, this dua is particularly poignant as it encompasses comprehensive requests for Allah's mercy and forgiveness, aiming to rectify any shortcomings and alleviate the burden on the living. You can also make personal dua for them, asking Allah to overlook any past grievances or unanswered questions they may have had.
How to Read
When reciting this specific dua taught for the deceased, it is best to replace 'fulan' (meaning 'so-and-so') with the actual name of the deceased. It is ideally recited during the funeral prayer, especially in the second supplication, or immediately after the burial. The act of making dua for the deceased is a profound expression of love and remembrance, seeking Allah's infinite grace for them. Even if you can't replace 'fulan', the general supplication is still immensely beneficial. Ensure you are in a state of sincerity and focus, remembering the deceased and their rights upon you.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive supplication covers all aspects of seeking Allah's mercy for the deceased. It asks for forgiveness, well-being, pardon, a dignified reception in the hereafter, a spacious grave, purification from sins, a better abode, and protection from the torment of the grave and hellfire. Reciting this dua is a fulfillment of the rights the deceased have upon us, and it is a means by which their deeds continue to benefit them even after their passing. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to make dua for the deceased, and such supplications are among the 'ongoing charity' (sadaqah jariyah) that benefits the departed. Al-Qur'an mentions the importance of seeking forgiveness for believers: 'And those who came after them say, "Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith...' (Al-Hashr 59:10).
Source & Authentication
Narrated Awf ibn Malik al-Ashja'i: I witnessed the funeral of a person, and when the Prophet ﷺ was about to offer the funeral prayer, he asked: 'Is there any debt upon him?' They replied: 'No.' He said: 'Then is he bankrupt?' They replied: 'No.' Then he offered the funeral prayer and said: 'This is your companion who is now being redeemed from the evil of the evil-doer, or is being saved by you.' Then he said: 'O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him well-being, and pardon him. Make his reception honourable, and his grave spacious. Cleanse him with water, snow, and hail. Purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from dirt. Replace his home with a better one, his family with a better one, and his spouse with a better one. Admit him to Paradise and protect him from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Fire.' (Awf said): 'Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said something which I did not understand. I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, what did you say?' He said: 'He is redeemed from the evil-doer, or is being saved by you.'