اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، عَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ
O Allah, forgive me my sin, all of it, the small and the great, the first and the last, the apparent and the secret.
Allahumma-ghfirli dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, awwalahu wa akhirahu, 'alaniyatihi wa sirrahu
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is excellent to recite when feeling overwhelmed by past misdeeds, or when facing health challenges that might be linked to one's actions. It's particularly beneficial during times of deep personal reflection, such as in the last third of the night, after prayers, or when making supplication for oneself and one's family. Making this a regular practice, perhaps daily, can foster a constant state of repentance and seeking Allah's mercy.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a sincere intention to turn back to Allah. It is recommended to raise your hands in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible. Begin by praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Utter the words with clear understanding of their meaning, feeling the weight of your sins and the immense mercy of Allah. Reflect on how sins can weigh down not just the soul, but potentially manifest in physical ailments, and seek His cleansing grace. Repeat it multiple times for emphasis if your heart is moved to do so.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking comprehensive forgiveness for all types of sins – major and minor, past and present, open and hidden – is a powerful means of purifying the soul. By acknowledging the full spectrum of our transgressions, we open ourselves to Allah's boundless mercy. This specific plea is especially poignant when considering how sins can sometimes manifest as physical or mental health struggles. True repentance and forgiveness from Allah can bring immense relief, peace of mind, and potentially alleviate burdens, including those affecting our well-being. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) when he asked for a dua to recite in his prayer, highlighting its significance.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Bakr As-Siddiq: I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me a supplication that I may recite in my prayer.' He said, 'Say: O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So, grant me forgiveness from Yourself, and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' (Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran, wa la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika, warhamni, innaka antal Ghafurur Rahim). Later, when the Prophet ﷺ was sitting in a posture of humility and grief, he said: 'O Allah, forgive me my sin, all of it, the small and the great, the first and the last, the apparent and the secret.' (Allahumma-ghfirli dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, awwalahu wa akhirahu, 'alaniyatihi wa sirrahu). Then he said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief, poverty, and the torment of the grave.' Then he raised his hands and said: 'O Allah, grant me the good of this world and the good of the Hereafter, and protect me from the torment of the Fire.' — Sahih Muslim 771