اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا، وَلاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ، وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
O Allah, indeed I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So, grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy upon me. Indeed, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran, wa la yaghfiru adh-dhunuba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika, warhamni innaka antal Ghafurur Rahim.
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to be recited in general prayer, but it is particularly poignant during Ramadan. As we are focusing on self-improvement and seeking closeness to Allah, we might realize how we have fallen short not just in our worship, but also in fulfilling the rights of others and even our own selves. Recite this at any time during Ramadan, especially after obligations, during the night, or before breaking your fast.
How to Read
Recite with sincere intention and a heartfelt plea. Raise your hands if you are praying alone or in a suitable setting, as this is a sunnah when making dua. Reflect on the 'great wrong' (zulman kathiran) you may have done to yourself by neglecting Allah's commands, your own well-being, or the rights of others. Understand that true forgiveness and mercy come only from Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a profound acknowledgment of one's shortcomings and a direct appeal to Allah for forgiveness and mercy. It recognizes that only Allah has the power to forgive sins. By reciting it, we are actively seeking Allah's pleasure and cleansing ourselves, which is especially crucial during Ramadan, a month of immense spiritual benefit and opportunity for repentance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) when he asked what to say in his prayer.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Bakr: I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) to teach me something to say in my prayer. He told me to say: 'O Allah, indeed I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So, grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy upon me. Indeed, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306)