اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا، وَلاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ، وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So, forgive me with forgiveness from You, and have mercy on me. Indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Allahumma inni dhalamtu nafsi dhulman katheeran, wa la yaghfirudh-dhunooba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika, warhamni innaka antal Ghafoorur Raheem.
When to Read
This dua is a profound supplication for anyone who has committed an injustice, whether against themselves or others. It is particularly potent when one feels the weight of their wrongdoing and sincerely desires Allah's forgiveness. Recite it in moments of reflection, after realizing the gravity of a sin, or at any time you feel the need to turn back to Allah with a sincere heart.
How to Read
Recite this dua with deep sincerity and a sincere intention to repent. It's best to say it after any prayer (salat) or at times when supplication is especially answered, like the last third of the night or between the adhan and iqamah. Reflect on the meaning of each word and feel the remorse for your actions, coupled with hope in Allah's mercy.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encompasses a complete acknowledgment of sin, a confession of Allah's sole power to forgive, and a humble plea for His mercy. It demonstrates humility and reliance on Allah, which are key elements of true repentance (tawbah). By acknowledging one's injustice and seeking forgiveness solely from Allah, one opens the door to His vast mercy and pardon.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best supplication for seeking forgiveness is: Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, 'Ataqta 'abduka wa'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, A'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u laka bi ni'matika 'alayya, wa abu'u bidhanbi faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta. (O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant, and I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as much as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour to me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for no one can forgive sins except You). The Prophet (peace be upon him) added: 'Whoever says this during the day, being firm on it, and dies on that day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise. And whoever says this during the night, being firm on it, and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6137). While this specific hadith is for general seeking of forgiveness, the principle of acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking Allah's mercy applies directly to the context of injustice.