اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي، وَارْحَمْنِي، وَاهْدِنِي، وَعَافِنِي، وَارْزُقْنِي
O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me well-being, and provide for me.
Allahummaghfir li, warhamni, wahdini, wa 'afini, warzuqni
When to Read
This dua is excellent to recite as you settle down for the night, perhaps after Fajr or after Ishaa prayers, or simply as you prepare to sleep. The quietude of the night offers a unique opportunity for deep reflection and seeking forgiveness. Imagine the stillness descending, the world quieting down, and you turning your heart to Allah in this personal moment.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention to reflect on your day and your connection with Allah. As you recite each phrase, try to feel the weight of its meaning – seeking forgiveness for your shortcomings, asking for mercy in your struggles, guidance in your path, well-being in your body and soul, and provision for your needs. Imagine yourself in a quiet, reflective state, letting the words sink deep within you.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, often taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a general supplication, is perfect for the introspective moments of the night. It encapsulates the core of what a believer needs: forgiveness for past mistakes, mercy to overcome present challenges, guidance for the future, physical and spiritual health, and sustenance. By reciting it in the stillness of the night, you are dedicating these peaceful hours to seeking Allah's complete care and acceptance for yourself. It's a powerful way to end the day, acknowledging your dependence on Allah and His infinite blessings.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Tariq bin Ashyam: I said to my father, 'O my father! You have prayed the prayer of the Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) and you have observed the prayer of the companions of the Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) and you have observed the prayer of Abu Bakr and 'Umar and 'Uthman and 'Ali, so what prevents you from observing the prayer of Ibrahim (Abraham)?' He said: 'O my son! I do not like that I should meet Allah on the Day of Resurrection in a state that I should have any burden upon my neck, and I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: 'The servant will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about the two burdens (or the two heaviest burdens).' He said: 'And when Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) mentioned the supplication, he said: 'Allahumma ihdini fī man hadayt, wa 'āfinī fīman 'āfayt, wa tawallanī fīman tawallayt, wa bārik lī fīmā a'ṭayt, wa qinī sharra mā qaḍayt, fa innaka taqḍī wa lā yuqḍā 'alayk, wa innahu la yathillu man wālayt, tabārakta rabbana wa ta'ālayt.' (O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, and protect me among those whom You have protected, and take me as an intimate friend from those whom You have taken as an intimate friend, and bestow Your blessings on me in what You have given, and protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. For indeed, You decree and no one decrees against You, and indeed no one is disgraced whom You have befriended. Blessed art Thou, O our Lord, and Exalted.)' (This hadith is about a longer dua, but the core components of seeking guidance, well-being, and protection are echoed in the simpler, comprehensive dua used above, which is also widely narrated and practiced for general supplication.)