The Ultimate Laylatul Qadr Dua: Understanding "Allahumma Innaka 'Afuwwun"
The last ten nights of Ramadan hold a night better than a thousand months: Laylatul Qadr. While we often search for long prayers, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us one simple, profound Dua that carries immense weight.
When Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked what she should say if she found this night, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave her these words:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
"Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni." Reference: Sunan At-Tirmidhi (3513).
Meaning in English, Urdu, and Hindi
To help you connect deeply with these words, here is the translation in multiple languages:
English: "O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me."
Urdu: "اے اللہ، بیشک تو بہت معاف کرنے والا ہے اور معاف کرنے کو پسند کرتا ہے، پس مجھے معاف فرما دے۔"
Hindi: "ऐ अल्लाह, बेशक तू बहुत माफ़ करने वाला है और माफ़ी को पसंद करता है, इसलिए मुझे माफ़ कर दे।"
The Deeper Meaning of 'Afuwwun'
In English, we often translate many Arabic words simply as "forgiveness." However, the word 'Afw used in this Dua is unique. Understanding the difference changes how you pray:
Maghfirah: This is when Allah covers your sin. He forgives you and does not punish you for it, but the sin remains on your record.
'Afw (The Eraser): This comes from a root word meaning to "erase" or "obliterate." When you ask for 'Afw, you are asking Allah to completely wipe the sin away. It is removed from your book of deeds as if it never happened.
On the Day of Judgment, you will not even be questioned about a sin that has received 'Afw. It is a total clean slate.
Why This Dua is Perfect for the Last 10 Nights
Focus on Allah’s Love: The Dua includes the phrase "Tuhibbul-'afwa" (You love forgiveness). You are calling upon Allah by acknowledging that He finds joy in being merciful to His servants.
A Fresh Start: Since Laylatul Qadr is a night when our destiny for the coming year is written, there is no better way to start than by erasing past mistakes.
Simplicity: The Prophet (peace be upon him) chose a short Dua so that every believer could repeat it with focus and sincerity throughout the night.
How to Use This Dua
Repeat it constantly: Keep this Dua on your tongue while walking, resting, or working during the last ten nights.
In Your Sujood: The closest you are to Allah is in prostration. Make this your main request during your night prayers.
Internalize the Meaning: When you say "Fa'fu 'anni" (so forgive me), visualize your past mistakes being physically erased from your record.
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