اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ تَوْبَةً نَصُوحًا، وَأَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَفْصَحْتُ، وَمَا أَنَا أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنْكَ، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
O Allah, I ask You for a sincere repentance, and that You forgive me for what I have committed and what I have delayed, what I have concealed and what I have revealed, and what I know of it more than You. You are the One Who sends forth and the One Who delays; there is no god but You.
Allahumma inni as'aluka tawbatan nasuha, wa an taghfira li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma afsahtu, wa ma ana a'lamu bihi minka, Antal-Muqaddimu wa Antal-Mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua for sincere repentance can be recited at any time, especially during the quiet hours of the night when one is reflecting on their actions. It is particularly poignant when seeking forgiveness for all sins, including those that may have affected our neighbors, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a firm resolve to change any negative behaviors. Begin by acknowledging your sins and their impact, especially on those around you. Ensure you have made an effort to rectify any wrongs done to your neighbors directly, if possible. Raising your hands during supplication is a sunnah, and facing the Qiblah adds to the reverence. Maintain a state of humility and hope in Allah's mercy.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking sincere repentance (tawbah nasuha) is a path to Allah's immense mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'O people, turn to Allah in repentance, for I turn to Him a hundred times a day.' (Sahih Muslim 2702). This particular dua encompasses all aspects of sin – past and future, hidden and public – highlighting the comprehensive nature of seeking Allah's pardon. By repenting, we aim to purify our hearts and relationships, including those with our neighbors, which is a crucial aspect of our faith. Allah says, 'And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect' (Surah At-Talaq 65:2-3).
Source & Authentication
The hadith where this dua is found discusses the importance of seeking repentance and Allah's forgiveness, emphasizing His power over all things and His role as the ultimate disposer of affairs. While the specific wording of this dua is a distillation of the concept of seeking complete forgiveness, the underlying principle is derived from numerous hadith encouraging constant repentance and reliance on Allah.