اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَفْتُ، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
O Allah, forgive me for what I have sent forth and what I have delayed, what I have concealed and what I have declared, and what I have exceeded in, and what You know better than I. You are the One Who brings forth and the One Who delays; there is no god but You.
Allahumma-ghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma anta a'lamu bi minni, antal-muqaddimu wa antal-mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa ant
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua for seeking Allah's forgiveness for all our sins, especially those related to our speech. It's a perfect supplication to make after realizing you've spoken poorly, said something hurtful, gossiped, or engaged in any form of backbiting. You can recite it immediately after the transgression, or make it part of your daily supplications, perhaps after salah or before sleeping, as a general plea for Allah's mercy.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a sincere intention to turn back to Allah. Reflect on the meaning of each phrase and how it applies to your own shortcomings, particularly in your speech. It's best to say it in a state of humility, acknowledging your reliance on Allah for forgiveness and guidance. While it can be recited at any time, making it a regular habit can help cultivate a constant awareness of seeking forgiveness.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encompasses seeking forgiveness for all aspects of our deeds – past, present, concealed, and overt. It specifically addresses overstepping boundaries ('asraftu') and acknowledges that Allah's knowledge of our faults far exceeds our own. By acknowledging Allah as 'al-Muqaddim' (the One Who brings forth) and 'al-Mu'akhkhir' (the One Who delays), we affirm His absolute power and sovereignty. This general supplication is incredibly beneficial for purifying the heart and seeking comprehensive divine pardon, especially for the often-unnoticed sins of the tongue.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say in his supplication: 'O Allah, forgive me for what I have sent forth and what I have delayed, what I have concealed and what I have declared, and what I have exceeded in, and what You know better than I. You are the One Who brings forth and the One Who delays; there is no god but You.' (Sahih Muslim 771)