قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'
Qul ya 'ibadiyal-ladheena asrafu 'ala anfusihim la taqnato min rahmatillah. Innallaha yaghfirudh-dhunooba jamee'an. Innahu huwal-Ghafurur-Raheem.
When to Read
This verse is a powerful reminder from Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) that His mercy encompasses all things, and no one should despair of His forgiveness, regardless of the magnitude of their sins or past transgressions, including disbelief or apostasy. It should be recited and reflected upon whenever one feels overwhelmed by past sins, or when seeking to return to Allah after a period of distance. It is a foundational verse for repentance and renewing one's commitment to Islam.
How to Read
Recite this verse with sincere contemplation of its meaning. Understand that Allah's forgiveness is vast. This verse is not a specific 'dua' in the sense of a supplication recited at a particular time, but rather a divine statement to be internalized. Reflect on it, especially when making sincere repentance (tawbah) and turning back to Allah. Ensure your intention is pure and your heart is seeking His mercy.
Virtues & Benefits
The primary benefit of reflecting on this verse is the immense hope it instills. It assures us that Allah is Al-Ghafur (The All-Forgiving) and Ar-Raheem (The Most Merciful). It provides solace to those who have fallen into disbelief or committed grave sins and wish to return to Islam, assuring them that Allah accepts sincere repentance. It encourages consistent turning to Allah, as His door of mercy is always open to those who seek it.