اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.
Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik
When to Read
This is the standard dua recited upon entering any mosque. While the primary intention is to seek Allah's mercy and blessings for entering His House, it's particularly relevant when you're consciously trying to avoid negative speech like backbiting. Entering the masjid is a transition into a sacred space where such sins are especially frowned upon, and this dua is your first step in seeking Allah's assistance in maintaining your spiritual conduct.
How to Read
Recite this dua upon entering the masjid, ideally after your feet have crossed the threshold. It's customary to enter with the right foot first. Say it with sincerity, focusing on your intention to seek Allah's mercy and to be guided away from harmful actions like backbiting while you are in His house.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a supplication for entering the masjid, asking Allah to open the doors of His mercy. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this supplication to remind us that entering the House of Allah is an opportunity to receive His boundless grace and forgiveness. By seeking mercy, we are also implicitly seeking protection from anything that would displease Allah, including harmful speech like ghībah (backbiting). As the Quran states, 'And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out. And He will provide for him from sources he never imagined.' (Surah At-Talaq 65:2-3). This dua sets a spiritual tone for our time in the masjid, encouraging us to be mindful of our intentions and actions.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When any one of you enters a Masjid, he should say: 'Allahumma aftah li abwaba rahmatik' (O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy), and when he leaves the Masjid, he should say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik' (O Allah, I ask for Your bounty)." Sahih Muslim 713