اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِحَيِّنَا وَمَيِّتِنَا، وَشَاهِدِنَا وَغَائِبِنَا، وَصَغِيرِنَا وَكَبِيرِنَا، وَذَكَرِنَا وَأُنْثَانَا، اللَّهُمَّ مَنْ أَحْيَيْتَهُ مِنَّا فَأَحْيِهِ عَلَى الإِسْلاَمِ، وَمَنْ تَوَفَّيْتَهُ مِنَّا فَتَوَفَّهُ عَلَى الإِيمَانِ، اللَّهُمَّ لاَ تَحْرِمْنَا أَجْرَهُ وَلاَ تُضِلَّنَا بَعْدَهُ
O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those who are present among us and those who are absent, our young and our old, our males and our females. O Allah, whoever You keep alive among us, keep him alive upon Islam, and whoever You cause to die among us, cause him to die upon faith. O Allah, do not deprive us of his reward, and do not cause us to go astray after him.
Allahumma-ghfir li-hayyina wa mayyitina, wa shahidinā wa ghā'ibinā, wa saghīrinā wa kabīrinā, wa dhakarinā wa unthānā. Allahumma man aḥyaytahu minnā fa aḥyihi 'ala-l-Islām, wa man tawaffaytahu minnā fa tawaffahu 'ala-l-Imān. Allahumma la taḥrimnā ajrahu wa la tuḍillanā ba'dahu.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is particularly potent when recited during the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah). It can also be recited at any time for the deceased, whether it's been recently or a long time since their passing. Making it a regular practice during times of reflection or after remembering the departed is also beneficial.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and a focus on seeking Allah's mercy for the deceased. Imagine Allah's vastness and His ability to forgive and have compassion. The dua encompasses all aspects of life and death, so reflect on the significance of each part: asking for forgiveness for sins, praying for continued life upon Islam, and a peaceful end upon faith. The intention is crucial; make it a heartfelt plea to your Creator.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a complete supplication for the deceased, covering their present state and future reckoning. It seeks Allah's forgiveness, which is the most crucial need of the departed soul. Praying for the living to remain steadfast on Islam and the dying to be upon faith highlights the interconnectedness of our lives and the importance of a good end. By asking not to be deprived of the deceased's reward, it implies that their good deeds might continue to benefit us. Finally, asking not to be led astray after them signifies a plea for guidance to remain firm in faith, especially when faced with grief and loss.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us a comprehensive prayer for the deceased. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up to lead the funeral prayer for a man, and he said: 'Allahumma-ghfir li-hayyina wa mayyitina, wa shahidinā wa ghā'ibinā, wa saghīrinā wa kabīrinā, wa dhakarinā wa unthānā. Allahumma man aḥyaytahu minnā fa aḥyihi 'ala-l-Islām, wa man tawaffaytahu minnā fa tawaffahu 'ala-l-Imān. Allahumma la taḥrimnā ajrahu wa la tuḍillanā ba'dahu.' (O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those who are present among us and those who are absent, our young and our old, our males and our females. O Allah, whoever You keep alive among us, keep him alive upon Islam, and whoever You cause to die among us, cause him to die upon faith. O Allah, do not deprive us of his reward, and do not cause us to go astray after him.)