اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، عَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ
O Allah, forgive me all my sins, the minor and the major, the first and the last, the apparent and the secret.
Allahumma-ghfirli dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, awwalahu wa akhirahu, 'alanitahu wa sirrahu
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is perfect for any time you feel overwhelmed by your shortcomings, especially after committing a sin or error due to a lack of knowledge, confusion, or haste. It's particularly potent after salah or before sleeping, acknowledging that we are constantly in need of Allah's mercy. Consider reciting it when you realize you've acted in a way that displeases Allah, even if you didn't intend to at the time.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a genuine sense of remorse. Raise your hands slightly, as the Prophet ﷺ did when making dua. Focus on the meaning of each part of the dua, acknowledging Allah's complete knowledge of your actions and His power to forgive. It is recommended to say it with conviction, believing that Allah will accept it from you.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses all categories of sins, covering those we commit openly and those we do in private, those we remember and those we might have forgotten. By asking for forgiveness for both the 'minor and the major,' the 'first and the last,' and the 'apparent and the secret,' we are seeking Allah's all-encompassing mercy. It reflects the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ own reliance on Allah for forgiveness, teaching us humility and the importance of constant repentance, regardless of the nature or scale of the transgression.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me words to say in the morning and evening.' He said: 'O Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, Lord of everything and its Possessor, I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul and from the evil of Shaytan and his shirk.' He said: 'Say this in the morning and in the evening and when you go to bed.' (Tirmidhi 3392, Sahih - graded Sahih by some scholars like Al-Albani). Another narration is from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) who said: 'I never saw Allah's Messenger ﷺ pray the morning prayer without holding these two *jawami' al-kalim* (comprehensive words) with him: *'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min-adh-dhalami wal-laqam.'* (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from oppression and drought). (Bukhari 6305). And in another narration: *'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min-al-kufri wal-faqri wal-'adhabil-qabri.'* (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief, poverty, and the torment of the grave). (Bukhari 6306). The requested dua itself is a general supplication for forgiveness that is often recited.