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 left undone, for what I have concealed and what I have openly done, and for what You know better than I. You are the One who sends forth and You are the One who delays; there is no deity except 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'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa ant.
When to Read
This comprehensive seeking of forgiveness is especially poignant when one reflects on the rights of others, including those who have passed away. If you realize you've wronged a deceased person, whether through backbiting, disrespect, or failing to uphold their rights while they were alive, this dua is a powerful way to turn to Allah for pardon. It's also beneficial to recite regularly as a general practice of seeking absolution for all our shortcomings, seen and unseen.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a firm intention to rectify any wrongs if possible and to avoid them in the future. It is best recited after the obligatory prayers or during the late hours of the night when supplication is particularly well-received. Imagine each word reaching Allah, acknowledging your vulnerability and His absolute knowledge and power.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is a cornerstone of seeking forgiveness. It encompasses all aspects of our deeds, past and present, hidden and public, acknowledging that Allah's knowledge far surpasses our own. By seeking His forgiveness with this comprehensive dua, we aim for His mercy to cover any transgressions, including those against the deceased, which might weigh on our conscience or affect our own standing with Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say in his prayer: 'O Allah, forgive me my sins which I committed in haste or deliberately, my sins which I committed in secret or in public. O Allah, increase me in guidance and steadfastness, and do not let my heart deviate after You have guided me. Grant me mercy from You. Indeed, You are the Bestower of gifts.' He would also say: 'O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness for what I have done and what I have left undone, for what I have concealed and what I have openly done, and for what You know better than I. You are the One who sends forth and You are the One who delays; there is no deity except You.' (Sahih Muslim 1850)