أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ، بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
I seek refuge with Allah the Almighty, and with His Noble Countenance, and His Eternal Dominion, from the accursed Shaitan. In the Name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.
A'ūdhu billāhil-`Aẓīm, wa biwajhihil-Karīm, wa sulṭānihil-Qadīm, minash-Shaiṭānir-Rajīm. Bismillāh waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu `alā Rasūlillāh. Allāhumma iftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.
When to Read
As you step into the masjid with your right foot, pause at the threshold and recite this powerful dua. It's a moment to transition from the distractions of the world outside to a state of profound peace and submission within Allah's house. This comprehensive supplication sets the tone for your visit, reminding you of Allah's greatness and your need for His mercy, thereby fostering a humble and focused heart.
How to Read
Recite this dua with presence of mind, understanding each phrase. Begin by consciously seeking Allah's protection from Shaytan – the whisperer who tries to distract us even in sacred spaces. Follow this with salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, honoring him and invoking blessings. Then, humbly ask Allah to open the gates of His mercy for you. This isn't just a physical opening of doors, but a spiritual one, inviting you into a state of heightened spirituality and connection.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua upon entering the masjid carries immense benefits. Firstly, you gain **protection from Shaytan** for the entire day, as mentioned in the hadith. This protection helps safeguard your focus and sincerity during your prayers and remembrance. Secondly, you are actively **seeking Allah's boundless mercy**, essential for spiritual growth and acceptance of deeds. Thirdly, by sending **salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ**, you earn immense rewards and blessings. Finally, beginning your entry with such profound words cultivates a **humble and reverent heart**, preparing you for worship and reflection, making your time in the masjid more meaningful and impactful.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'As: "When the Prophet (ﷺ) entered the mosque, he used to say, أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ (A'ūdhu billāhil-`Aẓīm, wa biwajhihil-Karīm, wa sulṭānihil-Qadīm, minash-Shaiṭānir-Rajīm.) Then he said: 'If anyone says this, the Satan says: He has been protected from me for the rest of the day.'" (Sunan Abi Dawud 465, Hasan by Al-Albani). Additionally, Abu Humaid or Abu Usaid (may Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "When one of you enters the mosque, he should send salutations upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and say: 'Allāhumma iftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.' (O Allah, open for me the gates of Your Mercy.) And when he exits, he should say: 'Allāhumma innī as'aluka min faḍlik.' (O Allah, I ask You from Your bounty.)" (Sahih Muslim 713).