Hadith/Dhikr

Forgive My Sins and Guide Me to the Best Course

Musnad Ahmad 16313 / 28816

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي خَطَئِي وَعَمْدِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَهْدِيكَ لِأَرْشَدِ أَمْرِي وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي

Transliteration

Allāhumma-ghfir lī dhanbī wa khaṭaʾī wa ʿamdī. Allāhumma innī astahdīka li-arshadi amrī, wa aʿūdhu bika min sharri nafsī.

Translation

O Allah, forgive my sins, my unintentional mistakes and my intentional mistakes. O Allah, I ask You to guide me to the soundest course in my affairs, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of my own soul.

Meaning and benefit

For forgiveness, better judgement, protection from self-sabotage and guidance toward the best decision.

Background

Uthman ibn Abi al-As reported hearing the Prophet ﷺ supplicate with these words. It is a concise dua for people who recognize both their obvious sins and hidden weaknesses.

When to recite

Recite when making tawbah · After mistakes · Before a difficult decision · Or when struggling with the nafs.

Source note

Classification: Sahih

This supplication is reported in Musnad Ahmad and has been graded authentic. It combines seeking forgiveness for mistakes and sins with asking Allah for guidance and protection from the evil of the self.