اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي خَطِيئَتِي وَجَهْلِي، وَإِسْرَافِي فِي أَمْرِي، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي هَزْلِي وَجِدِّي، وَخَطَئِي وَعَمْدِي، وَعِنْدِي وَذَلِكَ كُلُّهُ عِنْدِي، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
O Allah, forgive my mistakes and my ignorance, and my extravagance in my affairs, and what You know better about me than I do. O Allah, forgive me my jesting and my seriousness, and my unintentional and intentional mistakes, and what is with me (all of that) is from me. O Allah, forgive me what I have sent forth and what I have delayed, and what I have concealed and what I have declared, and what You know better about me than I do. You are the One Who sends forth and You are the One Who delays, and You are Able to do all things.
Allahumma-ghfir li khatee'ati wa jahli, wa israafi fi amri, wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni. Allahumma-ghfir li hazli wa jiddi, wa khata'i wa 'amdi, wa 'indi wa dhalika kulluhu 'indi. Allahumma-ghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni. Antal-muqaddimu wa antal-mu'akhkhiru, wa anta 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is powerful for anyone facing the challenges of aging, including declining physical strength, memory lapses, and the natural increase in reliance on Allah. It's particularly poignant when reciting it for oneself or for elderly loved ones. Recite it regularly, especially during the quiet moments of the night or after prayers, asking for forgiveness and acknowledging Allah's absolute power over all matters.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart, acknowledging your own shortcomings and Allah's perfect knowledge and power. It's best recited while facing the Qiblah, with hands raised in supplication, or as a continuous practice throughout the day. Understanding the meaning behind each phrase deepens the connection and sincerity of the supplication. Remember to also seek Allah's forgiveness through Istighfar, which this dua encompasses.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his uncle Al-Abbas, is a comprehensive plea for Allah's forgiveness covering all aspects of one's life – intentional and unintentional sins, public and private deeds, past and future actions. For the elderly, it holds particular significance as they reflect on their lives. It fosters humility, strengthens reliance on Allah, and seeks His mercy and acceptance, which are paramount in old age when deeds may lessen and the need for Allah's grace increases. It also instills the understanding that Allah is the ultimate controller of all time and all affairs.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to Al-Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him): 'O Abbas, O uncle of Allah’s Messenger, I shall grant you, I shall give you, I shall offer you, I shall do you a favour. You ask of me something that if you ask me with it you will be given, and if you ask me with it to make time you will be made time. Then he said: O Allah, forgive me my mistakes and my ignorance, and my extravagance in my affairs, and what You know better about me than I do. O Allah, forgive me my jesting and my seriousness, and my unintentional and intentional mistakes, and what is with me (all of that) is from me. O Allah, forgive me what I have sent forth and what I have delayed, and what I have concealed and what I have declared, and what You know better about me than I do. You are the One Who sends forth and You are the One Who delays, and You are Able to do all things.' (Sahih Muslim 2708, also in Sahih al-Bukhari 5990, but the phrasing in Bukhari is slightly different and longer, focusing on the Prophet’s ﷺ own supplication.)