اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.
Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited as you are about to step into the Masjid, often right after the prayer of entering the Masjid (Salatul Tahiyyat al-Masjid) has concluded or before you even sit down. It's the perfect moment to invoke Allah's blessings as you enter His house, especially when your intention is to connect with the Quran.
How to Read
Upon approaching the entrance of the Masjid, after saying 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) and 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest), and reciting the dua for entering the Masjid, you would then say this dua. Ideally, you would enter with your right foot first, reflecting the Sunnah of entering blessed places.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua while entering the Masjid, with the intention of engaging with the Quran, aligns your heart with the purpose of seeking Allah's mercy. It's a powerful way to set the tone for your time in the Masjid, turning a physical act into a spiritual journey. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that when we go to the Masjid, we are going to meet Allah, and it's befitting to ask for His mercy upon entering. This dua helps ensure that our engagement with the Quran within the Masjid is guided by divine grace and opens our hearts to its profound messages.
Source & Authentication
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ entered the Masjid, he would say: 'Allahumma aftah li abwaba rahmatik' (O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy). And when he left, he would say: 'Allahumma aftah li abwaba fadlik' (O Allah, open for me the gates of Your bounty).