اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعلَنْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَفْتُ، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، أَنْتَ المُقَدِّمُ، وَأَنْتَ المُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ.
O Allah, forgive me for what I have committed in the past and what I will do in the future, for what I have concealed and what I have done openly, and what I have exceeded in (committing sins). And forgive me for what You know better about me than I do. You are the One Who brings forth (whom You will), and You are the One Who delays (whom You will). There is no god but You.
Allahumma-ghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma anta a'lamu bi minni, antal-muqaddimu wa antal-mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa anta.
When to Read
This powerful dua is comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of our potential shortcomings. It is highly recommended to recite it regularly, perhaps after prayers or during the night, as a sincere act of seeking Allah's forgiveness. Its breadth makes it suitable for any time one feels the need to turn back to their Lord, acknowledging His knowledge of our every state.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Face the Qiblah if possible, raise your hands (though not always necessary, it's a sign of supplication), and supplicate to Allah with conviction that He is Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious) and Al-Ghaffar (The Ever-Forgiving). Acknowledge your dependence on Him and His absolute knowledge of your actions, both seen and unseen.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a complete seeking of forgiveness, covering past actions, future potential missteps, secret deeds, public actions, and any excess in wrongdoing. It is a direct acknowledgment of Allah's ultimate power over all affairs ('You bring forth and You delay') and His unique divinity ('There is no god but You'). By reciting this, we are not just asking for forgiveness but also reaffirming our Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and our utter reliance on Him for salvation and guidance.
Source & Authentication
The Companion Al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate after the prayer, saying: > **Arabic:** اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي خَطِيئَتِي وَجَهْلِي، وَإِسْرَافِي فِي أَمْرِي، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي هَزْلِي وَجِدِّي، وَخَطَئِي وَعَمْدِي، وَعَزِيمَتِي وَخَطَئِي، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، أَنْتَ نَارِقُّ أَرْضِي، وَأَنْتَ نَارِقُ آخِرَتِي، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ > > **Translation:** 'O Allah, forgive me my mistakes and my ignorance, and my extravagance in my affairs, and what You know better about me than I do. O Allah, forgive me for my jesting and my seriousness, my mistakes and my deliberate sins, and my intentions and my errors. And forgive me for what I have concealed and what I have done openly. You are the One who advances my (affairs) and delays my (affairs). There is no god but You.' *Note: While the specific wording in the main entry is often cited as a standalone dua for comprehensive forgiveness, the broader context from Al-Mughirah's narration highlights similar themes of encompassing all types of sins and deeds before Allah.* The version provided in the main entry is a widely recognized and concise form for seeking comprehensive forgiveness.