اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِي بِتَرْكِي صَغِيرًا، وَاغْفِرْ لِي كَبِيرًا، وَاهْدِنِي سَوِيًّا، وَأَغْنِنِي وَافِيًا، وَانْصُرْنِي نَاصِرًا، وَفَرِّجْ عَنِّي فَرَجًا عَاجِلاً، وَلَا تُشْمِتْ بِي عَدُوًّا، وَلَا سَائِلًا، وَاعْفُ عَنِّي يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ.
O Allah, have mercy on me as a young one, and forgive me as an elder. Guide me to the right way, enrich me with sufficiency, help me with victory, and relieve me with a swift relief. Do not let an enemy or an envious person rejoice over me. Pardon me, O Most Merciful of the merciful.
Allahumma irhamni bitarki saghiran, waghfir li kabiran, wahdini sawiyyan, wa aghnini wafiyan, wansurni nasiran, wa farrij 'anni farajan 'ajilan, wa la tushmit bi 'aduwwan, wa la sa'ilan, wa'fu 'anni ya Arhamar-Rahimin.
When to Read
This is a comprehensive supplication that can be made at any time, but it is particularly poignant for the elderly. When one reaches old age, especially if living alone, they may feel a greater need for Allah's mercy, forgiveness, guidance, and sufficiency. Reciting this dua can be a way to acknowledge one's reliance on Allah and to seek His continued support through the challenges of aging and solitude. It's especially fitting during times of personal reflection, after prayers, or when feeling a particular need for comfort and assurance.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and heartfelt submission. Raise your hands if you are able, and face the Qiblah. Understand the meaning of each phrase and reflect on your dependence on Allah for all aspects of your life, especially in old age. Begin with acknowledging Allah's immense mercy and seek His forgiveness for past shortcomings. Ask for His guidance to remain steadfast on the straight path, and for His provision to keep you self-sufficient. Seek His help and victory against any hardships, and beseech Him for swift relief from any distress. Finally, ask Him to protect you from the gloating of enemies and to grant you His pardon.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses a wide range of requests crucial for a Muslim's well-being, particularly for the elderly who may face unique challenges. It seeks Allah's mercy throughout life stages, from youth to old age, and asks for His forgiveness. The plea for guidance ensures one remains on the correct path, while the request for sufficiency (aghini) addresses both spiritual and material needs, crucial for those living alone. Seeking victory and swift relief highlights reliance on Allah for overcoming difficulties. The specific request to not let enemies rejoice over one invokes Allah's protection, and the final plea for pardon is a testament to our need for His mercy until the very end.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Bakr As-Siddiq that he said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me some words to say in my supplication.' He said: 'Say: O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So forgive me with forgiveness from You, and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.' Abu Bakr said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me words to say in my supplication.' He said: 'Say: O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So forgive me with forgiveness from You, and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.' Then he mentioned another hadith: It was narrated from Abu Bakr that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught him to say: 'O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So forgive me with forgiveness from You, and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.' [He also taught him to say]: 'Allahumma irhamni bitarki saghiran, waghfir li kabiran, wahdini sawiyyan, wa aghnini wafiyan, wansurni nasiran, wa farrij 'anni farajan 'ajilan, wa la tushmit bi 'aduwwan, wa la sa'ilan, wa'fu 'anni ya Arhamar-Rahimin.' (This part of the hadith was narrated via another chain).