Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Dua – The All-Time Forgiveness Prayer
Introduction
Muslims around the world offer one of the most powerful prayers the Prophet ﷺ ever taught during the middle of Ramadan, and particularly during the last 10 nights:
“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuḥibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.” .
(O Allah, pardon me, for You are Most Forgiving and You Love To Forgive.)
The “Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun dua,” as it is generally known, is a lovely supplication for forgiveness and mercy.
The Origin of This Du’a
Aishah (RA), the Prophet’s favorite wife ﷺ, inquired one day:
“Oh Messenger of Allah! What if I am to be blessed to attain Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)?
He continued: “Recite: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuḥibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.”
(Tirmidhi 3513) This makes the Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun most highly recommended prayr on Laylatul Qadr.
Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Dua Meaning and Translation
العربية:
اللّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّيEnglish Translation:
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
This du’a includes:
- Allahumma – “O Allah”
- Innaka ‘Afuwwun – “Indeed, You are Pardoning”
- Tuḥibbul-‘Afwa – “You love to forgive”
- Fa’fu ‘Anni – “So forgive me”
WHEN TO RECITE “Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Dua”
Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Dua In English
You can recite the du’a:
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
🔸 When to Recite:
- During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, especially on odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th).
- On Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) – it is the most recommended du’a for this night.
- During Tahajjud (late-night prayer) when you’re seeking Allah’s mercy.
- After any Salah (prayer) as part of your personal du’as.
- Whenever you feel remorse, guilt, or need to ask Allah for complete forgiveness.
Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Dua In Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
🔸 When to Recite:
- في العشر الأواخر من رمضان، وخاصة في الليالي الوترية.
- عند قيام الليل (صلاة التهجد).
- بعد كل صلاة كدعاء خاص.
- في لحظات التوبة وطلب الرحمة والمغفرة.
Arabic speakers or those familiar with Arabic are encouraged to recite it in Arabic for barakah and precision, especially during Ramadan and Qiyam.
Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Dua In Urdu
اے اللہ! بے شک تو معاف کرنے والا ہے، معافی کو پسند کرتا ہے، پس مجھے معاف فرما دے۔
🔸 کب پڑھیں:
- رمضان کے آخری 10 دنوں میں، خاص طور پر طاق راتوں میں (21، 23، 25، 27، 29).
- شب قدر (لیلتہ القدر) میں — یہی سب سے افضل دعا ہے۔
- نماز تہجد کے وقت۔
- ہر نماز کے بعد دعا میں شامل کریں۔
- جب بھی دل بوجھل ہو یا توبہ کا وقت ہو۔
یہ دعا اللہ کی صفتِ عفو کو پکارتی ہے — یعنی اللہ وہ ہے جو مکمل معاف کر دیتا ہے جیسے گناہ کبھی ہوا ہی نہ ہو۔
Summary Table:
| Language | Du’a Text | Best Time to Recite |
|---|---|---|
| English | O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me. | Last 10 nights, Laylatul Qadr, Tahajjud, after salah |
| Arabic | اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي | العشر الأواخر، التهجد، بعد الصلاة |
| Urdu | اے اللہ! تو معاف کرنے والا ہے، معافی کو پسند کرتا ہے، مجھے معاف کر دے۔ | رمضان، شب قدر، توبہ کے وقت، نماز کے بعد |
Why This Du’a is So Powerful
This is what precisely distinguishes the Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun dua:
- It is indicative of Allah’s name “Al-‘Afuww”, the one who completely erases sins.
- It acknowledges mercy and love, for Allah loves forgiving.
- It is brief and simple to remember.
- It is prescribed by the Prophet directly ﷺ.
The Difference Between “Al-Ghafoor” and “Al-‘Afuww”
Most are curious how \”‘Afuww\” is different from \”Ghafoor\”. Here’s the difference:
| Name of Allah | Meaning | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| ————– | ——————- | ——————————— |
| Al-Ghafoor | The One who covers sins | Sins are there, but hidden |
| Al-‘Afuww | One who erases sins | Sins are completely wiped out |
When you say the Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun dua, you’re not just asking for cover — you’re asking for complete removal.
Deep Reflection: What Are You Really Saying?
When you say:
“Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun” – you’re acknowledging that Allah alone can forgive your trespasses.
“Tuḥibbul-‘Afwa” – you are invoking Allah’s love for pardon.
“Fa’fu ‘Anni” – you’re not just asking for forgiveness, but total mercy.
This is humility, hope, and love in a nutshell.
The Best Time to Make This Du’a
The Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun dua should ideally be read at:
- Last 10 Nights of Ramadan
- Laylatul Qadr (especially odd nights)
- Tahajjud (late night prayer)
- Praying Salah (namaz)
- Regrets and repentance periods
You can recite this du’a after every salah, or as one of your dhikr.
Benefits of Reciting “Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun”
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| ———————————– | ————————————————— |
| Clears your record | As if the sin had never been committed. |
| ❤️ Earns Allah’s love | Because you appeal to His most loving attribute. |
| Heals your guilt | Provides emotional relief from previous mistakes. |
| Opportunity to receive Laylatul Qadr | The most effective du’a for the most effective night. |
| Fosters honesty | Makes your bond with Allah stronger. |
| Spiritual reset | Allows one to begin again, especially during Ramadan. |
How Many Times to Recite It?
While there is no specific count, this is how many times people typically recite the Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun dua for spiritual practice:
- 7–10 times after each salah
- 33–100 times in the last ten nights of Ramadan
- 1000 times during Laylatul Qadr (in good faith and with focus)
- Throughout the entire night during Qiyam
Remember: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY — convey it with presence of heart.
Real-Life Reflections
“I had assumed that Allah would never forgive me for what I had done. But the Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun prayer brought to mind: He actually loves to forgive. That totally changed things for me.”
— A sister who rediscovered Islam at 30.
This du’a has been the turning point for so many people. If you’re burdened by your past, this is your path to peace.
FAQ’s on Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Dua
Q1: Can I recite this du’a during other than Ramadan?
A: Yes, sure. It is permitted and recommended at any time of the year.
Q2: Can women recite it during menstruation?
A: Yes, it is a form of dhikr, not Salah, therefore it is permissible.
Q3: Is it acceptable to recite it in English?
A: Better to utter in Arabic but comprehending its meaning is also necessary. English can be used for comprehension and honesty.
Q4: Can I read this du’a on behalf of others?
A: Yes, and the best part — say:
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuḥibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anhu/’anha.
**Q5: Is this du’a only for major sins?
A: No. Say it for every sin, great or small — Allah is greater than all.
Practical Tips to Incorporate This Du’a in Daily Life
Pass it to your family or kids. Add it to your Qiyam practice in Ramadan.
12. Summary:
Why You Should Never Forget This Du’a It’s brief yet timelessly powerful. Learned directly from the Prophet ﷺ. Loved by Allah Himself. Provides peace, pardon, and
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