اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفَجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the} This is a beautiful and profound aspect of our faith: not only do we ask Allah to forgive us for our shortcomings, but we are also encouraged to extend that forgiveness to others, especially those who have caused us harm. It's not always easy, is it? Our hearts can feel heavy with hurt or anger. Yet, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us a way to deal with these difficult emotions, turning them into an opportunity for spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa faj'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatek, wa a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala', wa darakish-shaqa', wa su'il-qada', wa shamatatil-a'da'
When to Read
This dua is powerful when you feel wronged, hurt, or are struggling to let go of resentment towards someone. Recite it in the quiet of your home, during the night, or after any prayer. It's particularly beneficial when you're reflecting on your own character and seeking to embody the mercy that Allah has shown us.
How to Read
Begin with the intention of seeking Allah's help to purify your heart. Raising your hands slightly is a sign of supplication. Utter the words with sincerity, focusing on the meaning. While this specific dua from the hadith is for general refuge, the sentiment of seeking Allah's help to forgive and move past harm is key. You can also make your own heartfelt dua, asking Allah to soften your heart and grant you the strength to forgive.
Virtues & Benefits
The core principle here relates to Allah's attribute of Ar-Rahman (The Most Compassionate) and Ar-Rahim (The Most Merciful). When we show mercy to His creation, Allah shows mercy to us. The Quran states: "...And let them pardon and overlook. Would that you did not associate with Allah anything, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (Al-Nisa 4:149). By forgiving, we open ourselves to Allah's forgiveness and lessen the burden on our own hearts, bringing peace and tranquility. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever does not show mercy to people, Allah will not show mercy to him." (Sahih al-Bukhari 7376)
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah by reciting certain supplications. One of them, as narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), is: > **Arabic:** اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفَجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ > > **Translation:** "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the} This is a beautiful and profound aspect of our faith: not only do we ask Allah to forgive us for our shortcomings, but we are also encouraged to extend that forgiveness to others, especially those who have caused us harm. It's not always easy, is it? Our hearts can feel heavy with hurt or anger. Yet, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us a way to deal with these difficult emotions, turning them into an opportunity for spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. While the specific hadith above is a general supplication for protection from various adversities, the underlying principle of seeking Allah's help and mercy applies directly to our interactions with others. When we are wronged, our first instinct might be to hold onto that grievance. However, the teachings of Islam guide us towards a higher state of being. Allah tells us in the Quran: > **Arabic:** وَإِنْ تَعْفُوا وَتَصْفَحُوا وَتَغْفِرُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ > > **Translation:** "And if you forgive and overlook and cover up [your wrongdoing], then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." > (Surah At-Taghabun 64:14) This ayah is a direct encouragement from Allah to pardon and forgive. When we choose to forgive those who have wronged us, we are aligning ourselves with Allah's attributes of Ghafoor (All-Forgiving) and Raheem (Most Merciful). It's a way of saying, "Just as You forgive me, my Lord, I strive to forgive others."