اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي خَطَايَايَ وَعَمْدِي وَهَزْلِي وَخَطَايَايَ، ثُمَّ قَالَ: وَعَزْمِي، وَكُلُّ ذَلِكَ عِنْدِي.
O Allah, forgive me my mistakes and my intentional and unintentional sins, and forgive me my sins. And then He said: My resolve, and all of that is with me.
Allahumma-ghfir li khataayaaya wa 'amdi wa hazli wa khataayaaya, thumma qaala: wa 'azmi, wa kullu dhalika 'indi.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant for the elderly, as age can bring about reflections on past actions and a heightened awareness of one's shortcomings. It's a powerful supplication to seek Allah's forgiveness for all types of sins, especially those committed unintentionally or out of forgetfulness, which can become more frequent with age. Recite this anytime you feel the need to seek Allah's mercy, particularly in the quiet moments of reflection, after obligatory prayers, or during the blessed times of the night.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Raise your hands as you would during supplication. Focus on the meaning of each word and the vastness of Allah's mercy. Reflect on the sins of your tongue – the gossip, backbiting, harsh words, or even idle talk – that may have occurred throughout your life. Acknowledge your dependence on Allah's forgiveness and His ability to cleanse you.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking Allah's forgiveness is the cornerstone of a Muslim's life, and this specific dua addresses the comprehensive nature of sins, including those of intent and jest. For the elderly, it serves as a beautiful reminder to turn back to Allah with renewed devotion, seeking His cleansing and mercy in the twilight years. It helps to purify the heart and mind, bringing peace and contentment. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this comprehensive prayer, highlighting the importance of seeking forgiveness for all our actions, deliberate or not, emphasizing that all these are known to Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, forgive me my mistakes and my intentional and unintentional sins, and forgive me my sins. And then He said: My resolve, and all of that is with me.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 5048). The narrator explains that 'my mistakes' refers to unintentional sins and 'my resolve' refers to intentional sins. The phrase 'and all of that is with me' signifies that all these matters are known to Allah.