اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.
Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik
When to Read
This dua is recited when entering any masjid. The masjid is a place of peace, solace, and spiritual connection. For those struggling with sadness or grief, entering the house of Allah with this supplication invites His divine mercy, which is the greatest balm for a troubled heart. It’s a reminder that we are coming to our Lord seeking refuge and comfort in His blessed abode.
How to Read
Recite this dua upon entering the masjid, ideally after reciting the dua for entering a house of worship (which is generally 'Bismillah, wa al-hamdulillah...' followed by this specific dua if entering the prayer area). As you step across the threshold, turn your intention to seeking Allah's mercy, letting the words flow from your heart. Imagine the doors of Allah's vast mercy opening before you, enveloping you in His peace.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this specific dua for entering the masjid. By asking Allah to open the doors of His mercy, we are actively seeking His divine assistance and blessings. When burdened by sadness or grief, this supplication is a direct appeal to the One who has the power to lift our spirits and ease our suffering. The masjid itself is a sanctuary, and invoking Allah's mercy upon entering transforms it into a personal space of healing and spiritual rejuvenation.
Source & Authentication
An Numaan ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Verily, the most beautiful voice a man can have when reciting the Qur'an is to make it pleasing when he is reading it aloud.' (Sahih Muslim 713). This hadith doesn't directly mention the dua itself, but the context of entering the masjid and raising one's voice in supplication is established in other narrations connected to the masjid. A more relevant chain for the dua itself is from Abu Usayd Malik ibn Rabia al-Sa'idi (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: 'I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ enter the masjid and he said: 'Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik' (O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy).' — Sahih Muslim 713 (for the masjid entry dua)