سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ رَبِّي وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ
Glory be to You, O Allah, my Lord, and praise be to You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.
Subhanakallāhumma rabbī wa biḥamdika, ash-hadu al-lā ilāha illā anta, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayka.
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited immediately upon waking up in the morning. It is a moment of reflection and a beautiful way to begin your day with remembrance of Allah and a petition for forgiveness. While this specific wording is for waking, the sentiment of seeking Allah's mercy for all Muslims, living and deceased, can be a constant companion throughout our day.
How to Read
Recite this with sincerity and presence of mind. Feel the meaning of glorifying Allah, testifying to His oneness, and seeking His forgiveness. The act of waking is a new lease on life, and this dua acknowledges that renewal while seeking Allah's grace. It's not just about the words, but the heart behind them. Let this be a gentle awakening, not just of the body, but of the soul, turning towards our Creator.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a powerful affirmation of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness). By reciting it upon waking, you are fulfilling a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is a beautiful way to start the day. The Prophet ﷺ taught this dua to Fatimah bint Qays (may Allah be pleased with her) after she asked him what to say upon waking. It serves as a spiritual cleansing and a petition for protection and guidance for the day ahead. The act of remembering Allah and seeking His forgiveness connects us to Him and reminds us of our dependence. While this specific dua is for waking, the overarching theme of seeking Allah's mercy extends to all of creation, including our departed brothers and sisters in Islam. Making dua for the deceased is a vital part of our faith, ensuring continuous rewards for them and strengthening our community bonds.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'No servant says this upon waking but that Allah fulfills his need for him, and whatever he asks for from the Dunya (this world) will be given to him, and Allah will say to His angels: 'O angels, bear witness that I have forgiven him, and I have forgiven him because of his request to me to forgive the sinners among my servants.' And he (peace be upon him) said: 'Verily, the believers are brothers, and the best of brothers are those who are best to their brothers.'