اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.
Allahummaftah li abwaaba rahmatik
When to Read
This dua is recited upon entering the masjid, marking the transition from the outside world to a sacred space of worship and reflection. It is a beautiful way to begin your time in the House of Allah, asking for His mercy to envelop you and guide your intentions and thoughts.
How to Read
Recite this dua upon crossing the threshold of the masjid, preferably with your right foot first. It is recommended to do so with sincerity and an awareness of the significance of entering a place dedicated to Allah's remembrance. Some scholars mention reciting this dua and then following it with the dua for entering the home, which is 'Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik' (O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty), as the masjid is a place where one seeks Allah's blessings and bounty.
Virtues & Benefits
By asking for the doors of mercy to be opened, we are essentially seeking Allah's grace to purify our intentions, protect us from distractions, and allow us to benefit fully from our time in the masjid. It sets a tone of humility and reliance on Allah, ensuring that our worship is accepted and that we are guided to focus on what is pleasing to Him, including discerning between beneficial whispers of faith and detrimental whispers of doubt or temptation.
Source & Authentication
An Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: 'When one of you enters the Masjid, he should send blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and then say: 'Allahummaftah li abwaaba rahmatik'. And when he leaves, he should send blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and then say: 'Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik'. Translation: 'When one of you enters the Masjid, he should send blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and then say: 'O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.' And when he leaves, he should send blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and then say: 'O Allah, help me to remember You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in the best manner.'