اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَفْتُ، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، أَنْتَ المُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ المُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
O Allah, forgive me for what I have done in the past and what I will do in the future, what I have done in secret and what I have done openly, what I have exceeded in, and what You know better about me. You are the One Who brings forth and the One Who delays. There is no god but You.
Allahumma-ghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma anta a'lamu bi minni, Antal-Muqaddimu wa Antal-Mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is excellent to recite during times of reflection, especially after performing prayers, during the night, or whenever one feels a need to seek Allah's forgiveness for all aspects of their life. It's particularly fitting when reflecting on one's past actions, present state, and future intentions. It can be incorporated into your daily remembrance (dhikr) or said during special nights like Laylat al-Qadr.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, seeking Allah's mercy. It's recommended to raise your hands slightly, as is the etiquette of making dua. Focus on the meaning of each word and truly feel the need for Allah's forgiveness. While this specific phrasing is taught as a prayer for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the general etiquette of dua applies: sincerity, certainty in Allah's response, and facing the Qiblah if possible.
Virtues & Benefits
This profound dua encompasses seeking forgiveness for all categories of sins – past, present, secret, public, and those we may have even exceeded in or are unaware of. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself used to recite this dua regularly, highlighting its immense importance. By acknowledging Allah as the ultimate Controller of time (Al-Muqaddim and Al-Mu'akhkhir), we affirm His sovereignty and our dependence on Him for both guidance and forgiveness. Its recitation is a powerful act of repentance (tawbah) and a means of purifying the heart, drawing closer to Allah, and seeking His immense mercy.
Source & Authentication
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say in his supplication: Allahumma-ghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma anta a'lamu bi minni, Antal-Muqaddimu wa Antal-Mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta. (O Allah, forgive me for what I have done in the past and what I will do in the future, what I have done in secret and what I have done openly, what I have exceeded in, and what You know better about me. You are the One Who brings forth and the One Who delays. There is no god but You.) — Sahih Muslim 771