اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَفْتُ، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، أَنْتَ المُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ المُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
O Allah, forgive me for what I have done ahead (of me) and what I have done behind (me), what I have done secretly and what I have done openly, what I have done excessively, and what You know better about me. You are the One Who brings forth (good) and You are the One Who delays (it); there is no god but You.
Allahumma-ghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni, Antal-muqaddimu wa Antal-mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta.
When to Read
This powerful dua is recommended to be recited during the Tashahhud (the final sitting in prayer) before the Taslim (the final salutation). It's a moment of profound connection with Allah, just before concluding your Salah. Making this plea right before exiting the prayer emphasizes its importance in seeking Allah's mercy and acceptance for the prayer itself and all your deeds.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and humility during the final sitting of your prayer, before you say the final 'Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah'. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, acknowledging Allah's complete knowledge and power over all affairs. It's a moment to pour your heart out to your Creator, seeking His forgiveness and acceptance.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive supplication encompasses seeking forgiveness for all types of sins – past and future, hidden and public, and those done in excess. By acknowledging Allah as 'Al-Muqaddim' (the One Who brings forth) and 'Al-Mu'akhkhir' (the One Who delays), we recognize His ultimate control over destiny and the timing of events. This plea is a direct request for Allah's acceptance of our acts of worship, including the very prayer we are about to complete, and a purification of our record.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate in his prayer saying: 'Allahumma-ghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni, Antal-muqaddimu wa Antal-mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta.' (O Allah, forgive me for what I have done ahead (of me) and what I have done behind (me), what I have done secretly and what I have done openly, what I have done excessively, and what You know better about me. You are the One Who brings forth (good) and You are the One Who delays (it); there is no god but You.) - Sahih Muslim 771