اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ، وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ، الْأَحْيَاءِ مِنْهُمْ وَالْأَمْوَاتِ
O Allah, forgive the Muslim men and Muslim women, and the believing men and believing women, among the living and the dead.
Allahumma-ghfir lil-muslimeena wal-muslimaati, wal-mu'mineena wal-mu'minaati, al-ahyaa'i minhum wal-amwaati
When to Read
This comprehensive supplication is beautiful to recite just before you sleep. It encompasses all believing men and women, both those still alive and those who have passed on. Making this a habit before resting can be a deeply comforting act, ensuring you remember our brothers and sisters who have returned to Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a pure intention, focusing on the meaning of seeking forgiveness for all believers. Ideally, you would face the Qiblah (direction of prayer) and raise your hands, though in the context of before sleep, reciting it from your sleeping position is also permissible and beneficial. The key is the heartfelt plea to Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua before sleep is a profound act of remembrance and connection to the Ummah. It embodies the Prophetic teaching of wishing for others what you wish for yourself. By asking for forgiveness for the deceased, you are actively participating in their journey of seeking Allah's mercy, which itself is a source of immense reward. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whoever asks for forgiveness for the believing men and women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and woman.' (Reported by Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Jami' 6024, a Hasan hadith). This act also strengthens our own connection to Allah and purifies our heart before resting.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) also taught us to pray for the deceased. A general supplication that encompasses this is: 'Allahumma-ghfir lil-muslimeena wal-muslimaati, wal-mu'mineena wal-mu'minaati, al-ahyaa'i minhum wal-amwaati.' (O Allah, forgive the Muslim men and Muslim women, and the believing men and believing women, among the living and the dead). This specific wording is found in Sunan Ibn Majah.