سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ.
Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.
Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu al-la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk.
When to Read
This dua is recited at the end of a gathering where Allah's remembrance (dhikr) has taken place. It serves as a beautiful way to conclude the session, seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings during the gathering and asking for Allah's acceptance and blessing upon it. Whether it's a formal circle of dhikr, a study group, or even a casual chat about Allah, concluding with this supplication ensures that the gathering is sealed with divine mercy.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and presence of heart. It is typically recited just before the participants disperse from the gathering. The words are meant to be spoken aloud, but the true essence lies in the intention and the feeling of reliance on Allah. It's a practice that was part of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ own gatherings, showing us the Sunnah way to end such blessed occasions.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'No people sit in a gathering where they do not remember Allah, except that they depart from it like a donkey's carcass, and it becomes a regret for them. So, if they remember Me [Allah] in the gathering, it will be a mercy for them and a salvation for them.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 4855). This hadith highlights the immense value of Allah's remembrance and the potential loss if a gathering lacks it. This specific dua, often called the 'Dua al-Kaffarah' (Expiation Dua), acts as a perfect capstone. The Prophet ﷺ also mentioned: 'Whoever says these words at the end of a gathering, his sins will be forgiven.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 4858). This offers immense hope and assurance, cleansing any unintentional lapses in remembrance or manners during the gathering and seeking the 'barakah' (blessing) of the entire session.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Whoever sits in a sitting and talks too much, and before standing up remembers Allah, then what he said will be an expiation for him, and whoever sits in a sitting and talks too little, and before standing up remembers Allah, then it will be an expiation for his sitting.' And he mentioned: 'Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu al-la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk.' (Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.)