اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ.
O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness for what I have done and what I have delayed, for what I have done secretly and what I have done openly, and for what You know better than I. You are the One Who sends forth and the One Who delays. There is no god but You.
Allahumma inni astaghfiruka lima qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni. Antal muqaddimu wa antal mu'akhiru. La ilaha illa anta.
When to Read
Recite this dua anytime you realize you've committed sins, especially those committed while under the influence of intoxicants. It's particularly potent during the late hours of the night, after obligatory prayers, or when feeling a strong sense of remorse and a desire to turn back to Allah.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and a heartfelt desire to repent. Focus on the meaning of the words, acknowledging your shortcomings before Allah. Raise your hands if possible and make this a personal plea. It's crucial to accompany this dua with a firm intention to cease the sinful behavior and to avoid those substances that led to the transgression.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to a companion, covers all aspects of sin – past, present, secret, and public. Seeking Allah's forgiveness with sincerity is the path to purifying the heart and erasing sins. It reminds us of Allah's absolute power and sovereignty, encouraging humility and reliance on Him alone for forgiveness and guidance.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate thus: 'O Allah, forgive my first and last sins, my secret and my public sins. You are the First and the Last. There is no god but You.' He also used to supplicate: 'O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness for what I have done and what I have delayed, for what I have done secretly and what I have done openly, and for what You know better than I. You are the One Who sends forth and the One Who delays. There is no god but You.'