اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُسْلِمِيْنَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ، وَالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ، اَلْاَحْيَاءِ مِنْهُمْ وَالْاَمْوَاتِ، اِنَّكَ سَمِيْعٌ قَرِيْبٌ مُجِيْبُ الدَّعَوَاتِ.
O Allah, forgive the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women. Forgive those among them who are alive, and those who have passed away. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the Near, the One who answers prayers.
Allahumma ighfir lil-muslimeena wal-muslimaati, wal-mu'mineena wal-mu'minaati, al-ahyaa'i minhum wal-amwaati, innaka samee'un qareebun mujeebud-da'waati.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent on Jumu'ah, especially during the moments of intense supplication: after Asr prayer, the final hour of Friday (the last hour before Maghrib), and during the time between the Adhan and Iqamah for Jumu'ah prayer. You can also make it a regular part of your supplications at any time, but Friday holds special significance for the Ummah's well-being.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity and conviction, facing the Qiblah if possible. Raise your hands, as is the Sunnah when making dua. Picture in your mind the vastness of the Ummah, from east to west, and make heartfelt supplications for their forgiveness, well-being, and protection. It's beautiful to recite this alongside other duas for your loved ones, your community, and the entire Muslim world.
Virtues & Benefits
Making dua for the Ummah, especially for their forgiveness, is a profound act of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that the dua of a Muslim for his brother in his absence is readily accepted. This act of selfless supplication not only benefits the Ummah but also earns immense reward for the one making the dua. It fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility. Our Prophet ﷺ also mentioned the general acceptance of supplications: 'Indeed, your Lord is Most Alive and Generous, and He is too shy to turn His servant away [empty-handed] when he raises his hands to Him in supplication.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 1488, Sahih)
Source & Authentication
The hadith specifically for this text is narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Supplication is worship.' Then he recited: '[...] And your Lord says: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you."' (Ghafir 40:60). He also said: 'The best supplication is that for forgiveness.' (This part is related to the concept of the best supplication, the specific wording above is widely used and found in books of Dua, though its attribution to a single specific narrated phrase might vary. The narration in Sunan Abi Dawud 1488 describes the general acceptance of dua). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said: 'There is no Muslim who supplicates for his brother in his absence, but the angel says: "And upon you be the like of it."' (Sahih Muslim 7032). The specific phrasing 'Allahumma ighfir lil-muslimeen...' is a well-established and widely used supplication for the Ummah, reflecting the essence of seeking forgiveness for all Muslims, living and deceased, which is a core teaching.