اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِحَيِّنَا وَمَيِّتِنَا، وَصَغِيرِنَا وَكَبِيرِنَا، وَذَكَرِنَا وَأُنْثَانَا، وَشَاهِدِنَا وَغَائِبِنَا، اللَّهُمَّ مَنْ أَحْيَيْتَهُ مِنَّا فَأَحْيِهِ عَلَى الإِسْلاَمِ، وَمَنْ تَوَفَّيْتَهُ مِنَّا فَتَوَفَّهُ عَلَى الإِيمَانِ، اللَّهُمَّ لاَ تَحْرِمْنَا أَجْرَهُ، وَلاَ تُضِلَّنَا بَعْدَهُ.
O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, our young and our old, our males and our females, our present and our absent. O Allah, whoever You cause to live from us, let him live upon Islam, and whoever You cause to die from us, let him die upon faith. O Allah, do not deprive us of its reward, and do not let us go astray after him (or her).
Allahumma-ghfir lihayyina wa mayyitinā, wa ṣaghīrinā wa kabīrinā, wa dhakarinā wa unthānā, wa shāhidinā wa ghā'ibinā. Allahumma man aḥyaytahu minnā fa-aḥyihi 'alā al-Islām, wa man tawaffaytahu minnā fa-tawaffahu 'alā al-Imān. Allahumma lā taḥrimnā ajrahu, wa lā tuḍillanā ba'dahu.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is a cornerstone of supplication for the deceased, particularly when we are aware or suspect that they may have carried a heavy burden of sins. It's recited during the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah), at the graveside, or anytime we remember a departed loved one. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to be a profound way to seek Allah's mercy for them, ensuring our connection with them continues through prayer.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, focusing on seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy for the deceased. It is typically recited in Arabic. The intention is key: to ask Allah to overlook their shortcomings and grant them the highest stations in Paradise. While this specific wording is from a narration, the act of making heartfelt dua for the deceased is a Sunnah that we should all embrace.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive request for the deceased: forgiveness for sins, a good end for those still living, and continued guidance for the community. It acknowledges that all individuals, regardless of age or gender, are equal in the eyes of Allah when it comes to needing His mercy. By reciting this, we are fulfilling a beautiful aspect of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam, reminding ourselves of our own mortality and the importance of praying for those who have gone before us.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'When you offer the funeral prayer over a dead person, say: Allahumma-ghfir lihayyina wa mayyitinā, wa ṣaghīrinā wa kabīrinā, wa dhakarinā wa unthānā, wa shāhidinā wa ghā'ibinā. Allahumma man aḥyaytahu minnā fa-aḥyihi 'alā al-Islām, wa man tawaffaytahu minnā fa-tawaffahu 'alā al-Imān. Allahumma lā taḥrimnā ajrahu, wa lā tuḍillanā ba'dahu.' (O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, our young and our old, our males and our females, our present and our absent. O Allah, whoever You cause to live from us, let him live upon Islam, and whoever You cause to die from us, let him die upon faith. O Allah, do not deprive us of its reward, and do not let us go astray after him (or her).)