Praying for the deceased is one of the greatest gifts and duties a Muslim can offer to departed brothers, sisters, and loved ones. The Sunnah provides comprehensive supplications for mercy, forgiveness, and light in the grave.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا نَقَّيْتَ الثَّوْبَ الأَبْيَضَ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ
Allahummaghfir lahu warhamhu wa 'afihi wa'fu 'anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi' mudkhalahu, waghsilhu bil-ma'i wath-thalji wal-baradi, wa naqqihi minal-khataya kama naqqaytath-thawbal-abyada minad-danas.
O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him well-being and pardon him. Make his lodging honorable and expand his entrance. Wash him with water, snow, and hail, and purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from filth.
Hadith — Sahih Muslim — Book of Funerals
Authenticity: Authentic hadith tradition
Meaning and Explanation
The supplication implores Allah for complete forgiveness, purification from sins, safe passage through the grave, and entry into Paradise.
When to Recite
During the funeral prayer (Janazah), after burial at the grave, when visiting cemeteries, or whenever remembering deceased Muslims.
How to Recite
Recite with sincerity and humility. Adjust pronouns for females (e.g., 'laha warhamha') or for multiple deceased persons.
Important Notes
Reported in Sahih Muslim (963). Prayers and charity offered on behalf of the deceased continue to benefit them in the afterlife.
Benefits
Brings light, mercy, and elevation of ranks to the deceased in the grave, while fulfilling a vital duty of Islamic brotherhood.
Additional Duas
Content type: Hadith
Tags:
dua for deceased
dead person dua
janazah dua
maghfirah
dua for deceased parents
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Sahih Muslim (1631), the Prophet ﷺ said: 'When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.'
It is Sunnah to stand at the grave and ask Allah to forgive the deceased and grant them steadfastness (Thabat), as the Prophet ﷺ said: 'Ask forgiveness for your brother and ask that he be steadfast, for he is now being questioned' (Sunan Abi Dawud 3221).