اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ، وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ، الأَحْيَاءِ مِنْهُمْ وَالأَمْوَاتِ، إِنَّكَ سَمِيعٌ قَرِيبٌ مُجِيبُ الدَّعَوَاتِ.
O Allah, forgive the Muslim men and Muslim women, and the believing men and believing women, those who are alive among them and those who are deceased. Indeed, You are All-Hearing, Ever-Near, the One Who answers prayers.
Allahummaghfir lil-muslimeena wal-muslimaati, wal-mu'mineena wal-mu'minaati, al-ahyaa'i minhum wal-amwaati, innaka samee'un qareebun mujeebud-da'awaati.
When to Read
This is a beautiful general supplication for the entire Ummah, to be recited regularly. It's particularly fitting after obligatory prayers, during times of hardship for Muslims worldwide, or whenever you feel a strong connection to your brothers and sisters in faith and wish to pray for their collective well-being and forgiveness. Making this dua is an act of love and concern for all Muslims, living and passed on.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a heartfelt plea. Remember that our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us the importance of praying for others, even when they are not present. Imagine the collective needs of the Ummah as you recite these words. Raise your hands if you are able, as this is a sign of seeking Allah's help and attention. Focus on the meaning of seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy for everyone.
Virtues & Benefits
Praying for the Ummah is a powerful act that reflects true brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'There is no Muslim servant who prays for his brother in his absence, but the angels say: And for you be the same.' (Sahih Muslim 4912). This means that when we pray for the forgiveness of our fellow Muslims, the angels pray for us too. This dua encompasses all Muslims, alive and deceased, demonstrating the vastness of our concern and the breadth of Allah's mercy. It’s a way to connect with the entire community of believers and to contribute to their spiritual well-being.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'No servant supplicates for his brother in his absence, but the Angle designated to him says: Ameen, and may the same be for you.' (Sunan Ibn Majah includes a similar narration with a broader scope for general supplication for Muslims). A narration in Sunan Abi Dawud (989) and Tirmidhi (1980) states: 'When a Muslim supplicates for another in his absence, it is heard. When he supplicates for himself, and then supplicates for the person he is supplicating for, it is heard. And when he supplicates for himself, it is said: It is granted for you, and for the one you supplicated for.' The specific wording about forgiving the deceased is a general aspect of supplication for all Muslims, and is supported by the general principle of asking for mercy for them.