اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.
Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik
When to Read
This dua is recited upon entering any mosque, including when you intend to engage in seeking Islamic knowledge within its sacred walls. As you place your right foot inside, remember that the mosque is a house of Allah, a place where His mercy is abundant and guidance is sought.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart as you step into the masjid with your right foot. It's an invocation for Allah's mercy, which encompasses all blessings, including the opening of doors to beneficial knowledge. Imagine the gates of divine grace opening for you as you utter these words.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua to seek Allah's mercy upon entering the masjid. Mercy from Allah is the key to all good. When seeking knowledge, we are in dire need of Allah's assistance and guidance. This dua directly asks for that mercy, paving the way for understanding, retention, and practical application of the knowledge gained. It also aligns with the general etiquette of entering a place of worship, acknowledging Allah's greatness and seeking His blessings.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Usayd Malik bin Rabi'ah As-Sa'idi: I stayed with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ for ten nights. We used to tell him about his affairs and his needs. He stayed with us for twenty nights and said: "Are you fond of your sustenance?' I said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Be moderate in your way of living.' Then he said: 'It is not for me to eat while I am reclining. Abu Humaid the Sa'idi narrated to us: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: When any one of you enters the masjid, he should say: 'Allahumma aftah li abwaba rahmatik.' (O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy). And when he goes out, he should say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik.' (O Allah, I ask of You from Your grace). This hadith is recorded in Sahih Muslim (Book 4, Hadith 1240 in some numbering, 714 in others) and also in Sunan Abu Dawud and Sunan An-Nasa'i.