رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِأَخِي وَأَدْخِلْنَا فِي رَحْمَتِكَ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
My Lord, forgive me and my brother, and admit us to Your mercy, for You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.
Rabbighfir li wa li-akhi wa adkhilna fi rahmatika wa anta arhamur-rahimin
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when you encounter unexpected delays in travel, business plans, or any personal endeavors. It's a powerful supplication to turn to when your plans are disrupted, and you feel frustration or impatience creeping in. Recite it when stuck in traffic, waiting for delayed transportation, or facing a setback that hinders your progress. It helps shift your focus from the inconvenience to seeking Allah's grace and forgiveness.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a sincere heart. While the hadith mentions it in the context of the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and his brother Harun (peace be upon them) seeking Allah's mercy, its meaning is universal. Focus on the request for forgiveness for yourself and others, and the plea for Allah's encompassing mercy. It's best recited during times of personal reflection or when the delay occurs. You can raise your hands slightly as a sign of supplication, though it's not a strict condition.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua fosters a mindset of relying on Allah, seeking His forgiveness, and acknowledging His supreme mercy, which are the cornerstones of patience (sabr). By focusing on these spiritual aspects, the inconvenience of the delay is contextualized within a larger framework of seeking Allah's pleasure. It reminds us that even in moments of frustration, we are to turn to our Creator. The mention of seeking forgiveness for 'my brother' can be extended to all believers, fostering a sense of community and shared supplication, which is also a source of strength and patience.
Source & Authentication
The narration where this dua is found is related to the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and his brother Harun (peace be upon them). When Musa (peace be upon him) was sent to Fir'awn, he supplicated: 'My Lord, forgive me and my brother, and admit us to Your mercy, for You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 1572). While the specific context is the mission to Fir'awn, the essence of seeking forgiveness and mercy is applicable to any situation where one feels overwhelmed or in need of divine assistance, including navigating life's unexpected delays.