اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ تَوْبَةً نَصُوحًا، وَأَسْأَلُكَ أَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَفْصَحْتُ، وَمَا أَنَا أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنْكَ، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ.
O Allah, I ask You for a sincere repentance, and I ask You to forgive me for what I have brought forward and what I have delayed, for what I have concealed and what I have revealed, and for what I know and what I do not know of (my sins). You are the One Who brings forth and the One Who delays; there is no god but You.
Allahumma inni as'aluka tawbah-tan nasuha, wa as'aluka 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'akhkhir, la ilaha illa anta.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when you realize you've transgressed Allah's boundaries through your social media use. This could be by posting inappropriate content, engaging in backbiting (gheebah), spreading gossip, looking at haram, wasting time, or any other sin committed online. Recite it anytime you feel the need to turn back to Allah with sincere regret, especially after concluding a session on social media where you might have fallen short.
How to Read
Begin with sincere intention (niyyah) to turn back to Allah. It's best to recite this dua in a state of purity (wudu). Raise your hands slightly, as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ when making dua. Utter the words with humility, reflecting on the meaning of each phrase. Believe in Allah's mercy and His ability to forgive.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking sincere repentance (Tawbah Nasuha) is a path to Allah's forgiveness and pleasure. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'The one who repents from a sin is like one who did not sin.' (Ibn Majah 4248, Sahih). This dua encompasses seeking forgiveness for all types of sins, past and present, known and unknown, hidden and public, which is comprehensive in seeking Allah's pardon. Reciting this can purify the heart and draw one closer to Allah, helping to mend the spiritual damage caused by sins.
Source & Authentication
The Hadith describes the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ making extensive supplication. While this specific wording is found in Sunan Abi Dawud attributed to the Prophet ﷺ as a supplication he made, its context is seeking comprehensive forgiveness and acknowledging Allah's uniqueness. The chain of narration for this specific phrasing is graded Hasan.