اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
"O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, and You love to pardon, so pardon me."
Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuḥibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni
When to Read
This is the quintessential dua for Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed his wife, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), to recite this dua specifically during the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on Laylatul Qadr. As the nights of Ramadan draw to a close, let this be your constant companion in prayer, seeking Allah's immense forgiveness as you try to catch this blessed night.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a hopeful heart. Raising your hands is a sign of supplication and humility. Focus on the meaning of the words: acknowledging Allah's attribute of being the Pardoner, His love for pardoning, and your earnest plea for His pardon. It's beautiful to repeat this dua many times throughout the night, reflecting on your deeds and seeking to purify your soul.
Virtues & Benefits
Laylatul Qadr is the night when the Quran was sent down, and it is better than a thousand months. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, will have all of their previous sins forgiven (Sahih al-Bukhari 2008, Sahih Muslim 760). This specific dua, 'Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuḥibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni', is a direct pathway to achieving that forgiveness on this most blessed of nights. By asking for 'afw (pardon/forgiveness), we are seeking Allah's covering of our sins, not just their remission.
Source & Authentication
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ وَافَقْتُ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ مَا أَقُولُ فِيهَا قَالَ قُولِي اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: "O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say during it?" He ﷺ replied: "Say: Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuḥibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni."