Today, let’s revise an easy, simple, yet powerful dua most people are probably aware of: “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me). This supplication, from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, has been especially recommended on the Night of Decree or Lailat-ul-Qadr.
It is one of the holiest nights in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most probably in an odd night, as was mentioned in Surah Al Qadr. The Quran gave much emphasis to the importance of this night: This one night is better than a thousand months; the angels come down, and peace continues until dawn.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised A’ishah, Radiallahu Anha, to recite this special dua during Laylatul-Qadr, which is reported in Sunan Ibn Majah and is assessed as Sahih.
Hadith on Night of Decree:
“It was narrated from ‘Aishah that she said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come upon Laylatul-Qadr?’ He said: ‘Say: “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).’.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Dua in Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِب
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me” or “O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me.”
This dua carries immense significance on the Night of Decree-the night when the first Quranic verses were revealed. Its recitation reflects all dimensions of humility, seeking forgiveness, and recognition of Allah’s mercy. May we all draw benefit from the blessings of this powerful supplication.
EXCLUSIVE TO RAMADAN?
Some claim that it should be said every day of Ramadan, though there seems to be no substantiation for this in the hadith. But it is specifically mentioned in the hadith to be said on Laylatul Qadr, which need not imply that it is restricted to that one day. In fact, this dua means seeking Allah’s forgiveness and can be recited whenever one wants to do so.
ADJECTIVE KAREEM, CORRECT OR INCORRECT?
In Jami At-Tirmidhi 3513, there arises a lot of confusion due to the fact this hadith adds a variation to the dua with the usage of the words “Kareem” or “Karim” which means the most kind or generous.
Original Dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَ
Transliteration: Allahumma innaka afuwwun kareem tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni
Translation: O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, [Generous] You love pardon, so pardon me.
This slight difference with the addition of “Kareem” is not from the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him-. It doesn’t make it wrong; however, there are differences in reward. The above version is closer to the authentic narration, and the adherence to it is recommended in order to acquire a greater reward.
Afuwwun Meaning in English
Al-Afuww means overlooking the sins of His servants. He, in His Glory and Exalted status is Most Forgiving and Powerful.
It means He forgives and pardons despite His immense power, incomparable to the forgiving of human beings, which usually occurs due to an inability to take revenge.
He pardons while fully capable of complete enforcement of any sentence whatsoever, hence he accomplishes perfect pardoning. It is the love of the Exalted One for those who pardon people.
For those who forgive and make amends, their reward is with Allah; Allah loves those who are forgiving of the people and He has ordained this trait: “Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good.” Surah Al A’raf: 199 Scholars explain that al-Afuww means taking what is lenient and simple from people, not harassing them, and not pulling the rope tight. It means being soft-hearted, showing forgiveness, and overlooking others’ mistakes.
On the Night of Decree, the best supplication is considered to be: “O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
Importance of Laylatul Qadr
According to Sheikh Uthaimeen, excellence of Laylatul Qadr is for the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is a night chosen for this Ummah. That most ‘Unique Night’ is one which is beyond one thousand months in its excellence, and the Prophet had been given it specifically as a gift for his Ummah.
The night of decree falls within the last ten days of Ramadan, with emphasis on its odd nights, particularly the twenty-seventh night. Although it shifts within the ten nights, the Prophet recommended seeking it among the last seven nights.
The exact night changing, but it is wished to be the night of twenty-seventh, of emphasizing odd nights. This special night one of the favors of Allah upon the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Forgiveness and Pardon in Laylatul Qadr
Both the terms forgiveness and pardon in the context of Laylatul Qadr refer to Allah forgiving the sins of His servants, either sins of omission or commission. The term forgiveness encompasses neglecting duties as well as the commission of forbidden acts.
“Forgive me”, the supplication, means seeking forgiveness from deficiencies in worship and commission of sins. It is an acknowledgment of shortcoming and appeals to the mercy of Allah.
Pardon herein means to rise above and overlook the sins of one’s servants with mercy and compassion. It is an act of benevolence in demonstration of Allah’s perfect forgiveness.
It was advised to the believer to incorporate traits of forgiving, taking from people that which is easy, and showing kindness instead of harshness. Seeking forgiveness on Laylatul Qadr is one of the great forms of worship purposed since Allah loves those who forgive others, and if done, then it can promise enormous favors.
Conclusion: It is suggested that the orginal “Allahumma innaka affuwwun tuhibbul afwa fahfu anni” may continue to be used to ensure our practice remains truly orgina, whether during tawaf, before or after sadaqah, in the face of adversity, or during the last ten nights of Ramadan. These acts of worship are truly accepted by Allah, but the closer we remain to the original teaching, the better it is.
In conclusion, Laylatul Qadr is one of the most privileged moments in the Ummah, and requests for forgiveness and pardon are granted, whereby man is brought close to the mercies and favors of Allah. May Allah forgive all believers and have mercy upon them.
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