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 upon entering the Masjid. It's a moment of transition from the outside world into a sacred space, a house of Allah. As you step across the threshold, take a moment to pause and invoke Allah's mercy before you even sit down or begin your prayer.
How to Read
Recite this dua after stepping across the threshold of the Masjid. It's a personal invocation, so say it with sincerity and focus on the meaning: that you are entering Allah's house seeking His boundless mercy. It is typically said with the right foot stepping in first.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a beautiful way to begin your time in the Masjid. By asking for Allah's mercy, you set a tone of humility and reliance on Him. The Masjid is a place where Allah's mercy is abundant, and this supplication opens your heart to receive it. It reminds us that even within a place of worship, our primary need is Allah's grace and forgiveness. This is part of a set of duas for entering and exiting the mosque, highlighting the importance of seeking Allah's blessings in all our movements, especially those related to His worship.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Usayd Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When one of you enters the Masjid, let him say: 'Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik' (O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy). And when he leaves, let him say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik' (O Allah, I ask of You from Your bounty)." — Sahih Muslim 713