اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِفُلَانِ بْنِ فُلَانٍ، وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ، وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَافْسَحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ، وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ.
O Allah, forgive [name of the deceased, son of name of the father], and raise his rank among those who are guided. And leave his descendants behind him among the survivors. And forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds. And widen his grave and illuminate it for him.
Allahummaghfir li fulan ibn fulan, 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 suitable to be recited any time after the death of a Muslim, especially when visiting the graveyard or after completing any good deed in their name. It's particularly poignant for those we know struggled with sins, as it addresses their spiritual state directly.
How to Read
When reciting, replace 'fulan ibn fulan' with the actual name of the deceased person and their father's name. For example, 'Allahummaghfir li Muhammad ibn Abdullah...'. It's recommended to make the dua with sincerity and hope for Allah's mercy. Facing the Qiblah is not a requirement, but sincerity in your heart is paramount.
Virtues & Benefits
Making dua for the deceased is one of the most beneficial acts for them in the afterlife. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who supplicates for them.' (Sahih Muslim 1631). This specific dua seeks Allah's forgiveness, elevation of status, and relief in the grave, which are crucial for any deceased, particularly one who might have carried a burden of sins.
Source & Authentication
The narration in Sahih Muslim 904 describes the supplication the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught for a deceased person. It includes asking for forgiveness, raising their status among the guided, leaving behind righteous descendants, and relief in the grave. The specific wording is for a male deceased; a female version would adjust pronouns accordingly.