رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنْفُسَنَا وَإِنْ لَمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.
Rabbana zalamna anfusana wa in lam taghfir lana wa tarhamna lanakoonanna minal-khasireen
When to Read
Recite this dua whenever you realize you've fallen into sin due to bad company or poor choices. It's particularly poignant during the latter part of the night or after salah, when supplication is thought to be more readily accepted. You can also make it a regular habit, perhaps after Fajr or Isha, to constantly seek Allah's forgiveness for any shortcomings.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and a heartfelt acknowledgment of your own failings. Raise your hands as you make the dua, a common etiquette of supplication. Imagine yourself standing before Allah, truly regretful of your actions and hopeful for His immense mercy. Repeat it with a humble and pleading tone.
Virtues & Benefits
This verse, spoken by Adam and Hawwa (peace be upon them) after their mistake, encapsulates the essence of seeking forgiveness. It teaches us humility and dependence on Allah's mercy. By reciting it, we acknowledge our 'ẓulm' (wrongdoing) against ourselves – for sinning harms our own soul and distance us from Allah. It’s a direct plea for forgiveness and mercy, which are the keys to avoiding loss in this life and the next.