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 any mosque, whether it's the Masjid al-Haram, the Prophet's mosque in Medina, or any local mosque. It's recommended to recite it right after you step inside, before proceeding further or performing any prayer.
How to Read
As you place your right foot inside the mosque, recite this dua with sincerity. It's beautiful to accompany this with sending Salawat (blessings and peace) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. While this specific wording is for entering the mosque, the general etiquette taught by the Prophet ﷺ was to send Salawat upon him when entering and exiting, and to make supplication. Therefore, you might say: 'Bismillah, wa-s-salatu wa-s-salama 'ala Rasulillah. Allahumma-ftah li abwaba rahmatik.' (In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.)
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established specific supplications for entering and exiting places, including mosques. Entering a mosque is entering the house of Allah, a place of immense blessings and mercy. This dua asks Allah to open the doors of His mercy for us, acknowledging that we are entering His sacred abode seeking His grace. It’s a profound way to begin our worship, setting a tone of humility and reliance on Allah. Sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ while entering is a beautiful way to show love and respect for him, as he is our guide to this blessed act. The Prophet ﷺ himself taught us: 'When one of you enters the mosque, let him send blessings upon the Prophet and say: O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me. And when he leaves, let him send blessings upon the Prophet and say: O Allah, protect me from (the evil of) Satan.' (Sahih Muslim 713).
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Humayd or Abu Usaid that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When one of you enters the mosque, let him send blessings upon the Prophet and say: O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me. And when he leaves, let him send blessings upon the Prophet and say: O Allah, protect me from (the evil of) Satan.'