اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.
Allahumma-ftah li abwaba rahmatik
When to Read
This dua is recited upon entering the masjid (mosque). It is recommended to enter with the right foot first, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for entering auspicious places. The intention should be to seek Allah's pleasure and benefit from the spiritual atmosphere of the House of Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart as you step into the masjid. Imagine yourself seeking the vastness of Allah's mercy, which is embodied in the place of worship. It's a beautiful way to begin your time in the masjid, setting a tone of devotion and seeking divine favor.
Virtues & Benefits
This simple yet profound dua connects the act of entering the masjid with seeking Allah's mercy. While the specific hadith focuses on asking for the doors of mercy, another narration highlights the immense reward associated with walking to the masjid: the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, 'Whoever goes to the masjid in the morning or evening, Allah prepares for him a place of honor in Paradise for every morning or evening he goes there.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 662, Sahih Muslim 850). This means each step taken towards the masjid is recorded and rewarded, potentially elevating our status in Jannah. By reciting the dua for mercy, we combine the physical act of going to the masjid with a heartfelt plea for divine compassion, making our visit more spiritually impactful.
Source & Authentication
Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When one of you performs ablution in his house, then he sets out for one of the mosques (masajid) of Allah, then for every step that he takes, he will have two rewards: one of them is a sin erased, and the other is a grade raised. And when he enters his house, he does not touch his prayer mat until he has prayed two rak'ahs, and he is in a state of benefit as long as he is in the prayer.' Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say, when he performed the prayer, 'O Allah, I ask You by virtue of those who ask You, and by virtue of this act of mine that I am not turning away from it out of indifference, nor out of desire for this world, nor out of desire for the praise of people, but I come to You wanting Your mercy and Your reward.' (The wording for entering the mosque is often associated with seeking mercy and reward, though the precise Arabic text in the question pertains to seeking the doors of mercy specifically.) Another narration from Sahih Muslim (713) has the wording: 'When you enter the mosque, say: Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik (O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy).'