اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، وَعَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ
O Allah, forgive me my every sin, the minor and the major, the first and the last, the apparent and the secret.
Allahummaghfir li dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa 'alaniyatahu wa sirrahu
When to Read
This is a powerful comprehensive dua for seeking Allah's forgiveness, especially potent when you feel you've drifted spiritually. Recite it after any sin, major or minor, and particularly when you sense a distance from your Deen or feel your faith has weakened. It can be recited at any time, but making it a regular practice, perhaps after your obligatory prayers or during the quiet hours of the night, amplifies its benefit.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere repentance and a firm intention to avoid the sin or spiritual slump in the future. Raise your hands in supplication, a sign of humility and reliance on Allah. Speak from the heart, truly feeling the weight of your actions and the immense mercy of Allah. Believe that Allah is Al-Ghafur (The All-Forgiving) and will accept your sincere plea.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encapsulates a complete plea for forgiveness, acknowledging all aspects of sin. By asking for forgiveness for both the 'minor and the major', the 'first and the last', and the 'apparent and the secret', we are leaving no stone unturned in seeking Allah's cleansing grace. It reflects the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ own profound connection with Allah and his constant remembrance and seeking of forgiveness, demonstrating to us the importance of this practice even for those closest to Allah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: "By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day." In another narration: "More than seventy times a day, not that I asked Allah for forgiveness seventy times, but Allah's forgiveness is near, and He forgives for that which is more than what is described by seventy times. And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Al-Isra, 17:25). And Allah's saying: 'And ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women.' (Surah Muhammad, 47:19)." Sahih Muslim 771