اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، عَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ، ظَاهِرَهُ وَبَاطِنَهُ
O Allah, forgive me for all my sins, the minor and the major, the first and the last, the apparent and the hidden, the outward and the inward.
Allahumma-ghfir li dhanbi kullah, diqqahu wa jillahu, awwalahu wa akhirahu, 'alaniyatahu wa sirrahu, dhahirahu wa batina-hu.
When to Read
This comprehensive supplication for forgiveness can be recited at any time, but it is particularly poignant to remember when reflecting on past actions or seeking purification of the heart. It's a profound way to turn to Allah after an act that may have displeased Him, even if unintentional, or simply as a daily practice of seeking His mercy and acknowledging our human fallibility. Reciting it with sincerity can be a powerful cleansing agent for the soul, helping us to reconnect with our Creator.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. It is recommended to face the Qiblah, raise your hands (though not mandatory for this particular dua), and pour out your heart to Allah. Reflect on the meaning of each part of the dua as you say it, acknowledging the totality of your sins and the vastness of Allah's forgiveness. It can be recited after any prayer or during the night.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a testament to the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ deep understanding of seeking comprehensive forgiveness. By asking for forgiveness for sins both great and small, first and last, public and private, outward and inward, we are acknowledging the completeness of Allah's dominion over all our actions and states. The Prophet ﷺ himself would often seek forgiveness numerous times a day, teaching us the importance of constant remembrance and reliance on Allah's mercy. This supplication, when recited with sincerity, can be a means of immense spiritual cleansing, drawing us closer to Allah and earning His pleasure.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6307). Another narration states: 'O people, repent to Allah, for I repent to Him one hundred times a day.' (Sahih Muslim 154a). The supplication for comprehensive forgiveness, 'Allahumma-ghfir li dhanbi kullah, diqqahu wa jillahu, awwalahu wa akhirahu, 'alaniyatahu wa sirrahu, dhahirahu wa batina-hu,' is a beautiful encapsulation of seeking total absolution from our Lord. It was taught by the Prophet ﷺ as a way to encompass all potential wrongdoings.