اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي خَطِيئَتِي وَجَهْلِي، وَإِسْرَافِي فِي أَمْرِي، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي جِدِّي وَهَزْلِي، وَخَطَئِي وَعَمْدِي، وَعَزْمِي وَهَزْلِي، وَكُلُّ ذَلِكَ 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 me for my mistakes and my ignorance, and my extravagance in my affairs, and whatever else You know better than I. O Allah, forgive me for my seriousness and my jesting, and my errors and my deliberate acts, and my resolves and my omissions, and all of that is with me. O Allah, forgive me for what I have put forth and what I have left behind, and what I have concealed and what I have done openly, and whatever else You know better than I. You are the One Who sends forth and You are the One Who delays, and You have power over all things.
Allahumma-ghfir li khatee'ati wa jahli, wa israafi fi amri, wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni. Allahumma-ghfir li jiddi wa hazli, wa khata'i wa 'amdi, wa 'azmi wa hazli, wa kullu dhalika 'indi. Allahumma-ghfir li ma qaddmtu 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 for forgiveness is particularly relevant for the elderly, as they reflect on a lifetime of actions. It's beneficial to recite this daily, especially after the obligatory prayers, or during times of quiet contemplation, when one feels the weight of past decisions and desires to seek Allah's pardon for any shortcomings.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a sincere intention to seek Allah's forgiveness. Imagine yourself standing before Allah, acknowledging His might and your own dependence on His mercy. It is recommended to raise your hands slightly, as is the custom in supplication, and to face the Qiblah if possible. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, internalizing the plea for pardon.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses all aspects of human failing, from unintentional errors to deliberate sins, from minor slip-ups to significant transgressions. By reciting it, one seeks Allah's all-encompassing forgiveness, acknowledging His perfect knowledge of our past, present, and future. It helps foster humility and reliance on Allah's mercy, crucial virtues as we age and account for our lives. It also serves as a powerful tool for spiritual cleansing, preparing the heart for the hereafter.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate as follows: 'O Allah, forgive me for my mistakes and my ignorance, and my extravagance in my affairs, and whatever else You know better than I. O Allah, forgive me for my seriousness and my jesting, and my errors and my deliberate acts, and my resolves and my omissions, and all of that is with me. O Allah, forgive me for what I have put forth and what I have left behind, and what I have concealed and what I have done openly, and whatever else You know better than I. You are the One Who sends forth and You are the One Who delays, and You have power over all things.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6398)