بَلِ ارْتِقَاءً، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي، وَارْحَمْنِي، وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالرَّفِيقِ الأَعْلَى
"Rather, with the Highest Companion. O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, and join me with the Highest Companion."
Bal irtaqa'an, Allahumma-ghfir li, war-hamni, wa alhiqni bir-rafiqil-a'la.
When to Read
This profound dua, uttered by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at the moment of his passing, is not meant for regular recitation in the same context. However, its essence speaks to our ultimate return to Allah. It serves as a powerful reminder of our need for Allah's forgiveness and mercy as we face our own mortality or contemplate the end of our journey in this world. Reciting it can be a moment of deep reflection on our reliance on Allah and our hope for His companionship in the Hereafter, especially during times of illness, serious reflection, or remembrance of death.
How to Read
This dua reflects the Prophet's ﷺ ultimate state of reliance and hope in Allah. When reflecting on this dua, it's important to do so with sincerity and a full heart. The words convey a sense of acceptance of Allah's decree, a plea for divine forgiveness, and a yearning for the ultimate closeness with Allah (the 'Highest Companion'). It's not a formulaic recitation but a heartfelt expression of faith and submission, reflecting the Prophet's ﷺ deep connection with his Lord.
Virtues & Benefits
The primary benefit of reflecting on this dua lies in its deep spiritual and existential significance. It encapsulates the core of a believer's hope: seeking Allah's forgiveness, His mercy, and ultimately, His eternal companionship. By contemplating these words, we are reminded of our vulnerability and our absolute need for Allah. It fosters humility, encourages repentance, and strengthens our faith in the ultimate return to our Creator.
Source & Authentication
The mother of the faithful, 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), said: "I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) while he was leaning against me, say: 'O Allah, forgive me my sins, have mercy on me, and join me with the Highest Companion.'" 'A'ishah added: "I said to myself: 'By Allah, he would not say this but that he had to.' And I understood that he was given the choice between death and remaining with us. So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) breathed his last during my turn, and my chest and my throat were full, and I could not control my tears. He raised his hand, or his leg, and I heard him say twice or thrice: 'Bal irtaqa'an, Allahumma-ghfir li, war-hamni, wa alhiqni bir-rafiqil-a'la' (Rather, with the Highest Companion. O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, and join me with the Highest Companion.) Then 'Abdullah bin Abi Bakr passed away on that same day; and the last words of Ibn 'Abi Bakr were: 'Bal irtaqa'an, Allahumma-ghfir li, war-hamni, wa alhiqni bir-rafiqil-a'la.'"