اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ
O Allah, have mercy upon me with Your mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful.
Allahumma irhamni birahmatika ya Arhamar-Rahimeen
When to Read
The first ten days of Ramadan are a time specifically designated by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as days of Allah's mercy (rahmah). This period is a golden opportunity to focus on seeking Allah's abundant mercy and forgiveness. Recite this dua often, especially after your obligatory prayers and during the times when supplication is more likely to be answered, such as the pre-dawn hours (suhoor) or after breaking your fast.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and heartfelt conviction, focusing on the meaning of seeking Allah's vast mercy. Raise your hands in supplication as you do so. Remember that the first ten days are a special time, so try to make this a consistent part of your routine during this period. Feel the need for Allah's mercy deep within your heart.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated that the first third of Ramadan is mercy, the second third is forgiveness, and the last third is freedom from the Hellfire. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 657). By making this dua, you are actively aligning yourself with the spirit of this blessed period, opening yourself to receive Allah's boundless mercy which is essential for our acceptance in the hereafter. Seeking mercy is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with Allah, especially in a month dedicated to it.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'It [Ramadan] is a month, the first of which is mercy, the middle of which is forgiveness and the last of which is freedom from the Fire.' (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 657, Sahih by Al-Albani). While this specific dua is not directly quoted in this hadith, it perfectly encapsulates the theme of seeking mercy during the initial days of Ramadan, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.