اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مَغْفِرَةً لِذُنُوبِي كُلِّهَا، مَا عَلِمْتُ مِنْهَا وَمَا لَمْ أَعْلَمْ
O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness for all my sins, those that I know of and those that I do not know of.
Allahumma inni as'aluka maghfiratan li-dhunubi kulliha, ma 'alimtu minha wa ma lam a'lam
When to Read
This dua is powerful for seeking forgiveness at any time, but it's particularly effective when made after fulfilling obligations like prayer, or during the quiet moments of the night (Qiyam al-Layl). You can also make it right after you realize you've committed a sin, regardless of whether it happened during prayer or at any other time.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, acknowledging your shortcomings before Allah. It's recommended to raise your hands while making supplication, as is the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Feel the weight of your sins and the immensity of Allah's mercy as you utter these words.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encompasses all sins, known and unknown, reflecting the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ profound understanding of our human fallibility. Seeking forgiveness is a cornerstone of our faith; it purifies the heart, draws us closer to Allah, and opens doors to His mercy and blessings. The Prophet ﷺ himself said, 'By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him more than seventy times a day.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). This shows us the importance and the constant need to seek Allah's pardon.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him more than seventy times a day.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). While this specific wording for the dua isn't directly from a single hadith, it's a beautiful synthesis of the concept of seeking comprehensive forgiveness, as exemplified by the Prophet's ﷺ own practice and numerous other supplications for forgiveness. The wording itself is a sincere plea that aligns with the spirit of seeking Allah's pardon for all transgressions, seen and unseen.