اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.
Allahumma aftah li abwaba rahmatik
When to Read
This dua is recited specifically when entering the Masjid, preferably upon reaching the door or just before stepping inside. It's a beautiful way to begin your spiritual journey within the house of Allah, setting an intention for seeking His mercy.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and presence of mind as you approach or enter the mosque. It's recommended to enter with your right foot, mirroring the Prophet's ﷺ practice for entering homes and other blessed places.
Virtues & Benefits
While this specific dua focuses on seeking Allah's mercy, the profound reward associated with walking to the Masjid is highlighted in another well-known hadith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whoever purifies himself in his house and then goes to one of the houses of Allah to fulfill an obligation from the obligations of Allah, his steps are of two types: one is a deed that erases a sin, and the other is a step that raises him in rank.' (Sahih Muslim 777). Though not directly stated for the *entry* dua itself, the spirit of seeking reward and immense benefit accompanies every action taken towards the Masjid, including entering it with supplication.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ said, 'When one of you performs Wudu perfectly and then intends to go to one of the mosques (for prayer), he does not take a step but that his sins are forgiven for it, and his (other) step is only to raise his rank. So, he should not be too eager to be early for the prayer, for whoever prays the prayer in congregation, the excellence of his prayer is like double that of a prayer offered alone in his house, and that offered alone in the house is double that of one offered by itself (in the market). And the prayer offered by itself is double of what is offered by him in the market.' (Sahih Muslim 777, also mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari 632, 645, 662, 2272, 6299, 7252). This hadith underscores the immense reward for the journey to the Masjid, making our entry with a dua for mercy even more meaningful.