Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Tuhibbul Afwa Meaning, Arabic Hadith & Benefits

Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Tuhibbul Afwa is one of the best duas that can be recited at Laylat al-Qadr. The dua is that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her).

In the last ten nights of Ramadan, there is one night unlike any other, known as Laylat al-Qadr — the Night of Decree. This night is so significant that Allah mentions it in the Quran, saying it is “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3).

It’s the night when the Quran was first revealed, and it’s filled with Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. On this special night, we are encouraged to seek Allah’s forgiveness with a specific and beautiful dua.

Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Meaning in English

The meaning of Allahumma innaka Afuwwun is O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, You love pardon, so pardon me.

Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Tuhibbul Afwa Fa’fu Anni in Arabic

Here is how to write Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun in Arabic Text:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Transliteration/ Pronounciation

The correct transliteration of this powerful Dua is Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni.

Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Hadith

This hadith was mentioned by many scholars of hadith, and it was included by an-Nasa’i in Al-Sunan Al-Kubra, and Al-Quda’i in Musnad Al-Shihab, and others. The full Hadith is as follows:

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).'”

Source: Sunan Ibnu Majah

Afuwwun Meaning in English

Al-Afuww refers to overlooking the sins of His servant. He, Glory be to Him and Exalted, is Most Forgiving and Powerful.

That is, He forgives and pardons inspite of His power. This is not comparable to children of Adam who would only overlook when they are incapable.

He pardons despite His power and strength. And this is perfect forgiveness. He, the Exalted, loves those who pardon people.

Whoever pardons and rectifies, his reward is with Allah. He, Glory be to Him love those who forgives people. Rather, He has instructed it:

“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good.”

Surah Al-A’raf: 199

The scholars explained that the meaning of al-Afuww is to accept what is fair from people; that is, what is easy.

Accept it, and do not make it burdensome for them nor tighten the rope. Show forgiveness and overlook others.

This is one of the etiquettes of the Qur’an; one should be kind-hearted to the children of Adam, showing forgiveness.

The point of reference is that the best of supplication to be made on the Night of Decree is: “O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me”.

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Importance of Laylatul Qadr

Sheikh Uthaimeen said that the excellence of this night is specific to this Ummah.

It is for it. It was stated that the Prophet was shown the ages of his Ummah and it was reduced, so he was given the Night of Decree and this was made better than one thousand months.

So if someone is twenty years old, it becomes twenty thousand good deeds for him on this night.

This is one of the Favours of Allah, the Blessed be He and Exalted, on this Ummah. Allah, the Most High, has distinguished this Ummah and its Prophet SAW with specific characteristics lacking in earlier generations.

All praises belong to Allah, the Lord of all that exists.

It stated that the night of decree is in the month of Ramadan, during the last ten days with particular emphasis on its odd (night) and more emphasis on the twenty seventh night.

However, it shifts within the ten (nights). That is, it could be on the twenty first night this year, the second year twenty third night and the third year twenty fifth night or twenty-seven, or twenty- nine or twenty-four, or twenty-six or twenty-two.

It moves because it is not a specific night. However, it is hoped it would be the twenty seventh night, then the odds (nights) and the hopeful of the last ten nights is seven out of them.

This is because a group among the companions dreamt that the night of decree was among the last seven nights.

So the Prophet SAW said, “I see that your dreams all agree upon the last seven nights. So whoever then seeks the night of Decrees should look for it among the last seven nights.”

This is likely to be every year or that year only. Nevertheless, it is in thelast ten nights of Ramadan. It does not occur in the middle or in the first part; rather in the last ten nights.

Adopted from Explanation of Riyadus Saliheen by Sheikh Uthaimeen.

Forgiveness is defined as the one who forgives the sins of His servants, whether He pardoned them by neglecting duties or because of committing sins.

Sins are divided into two things,

• Either by leaving an obligation or
• By doing a forbidden act.

And the meaning of pardon is that he transcends them in both matters, and the meaning of pardon me, i.e., forgive me for my shortcomings in worship and my committing sins.

For a person to take from people what is easy from them, and to leave behind that of harshness, which is one of the good qualities.

And forgiveness: is to overlook sins, and it was said: It is taken from the wind’s trace; If you remove it, in the sense of one who pardons and forgives, and it is part of benevolence.

That is, He forgives and pardons inspite of His power.This is not comparable to children of Adam who would only overlook when they are incapable. He pardons despite His power and strength.

And this is perfect forgiveness. He, the Exalted, loves those who pardon people. Whoever pardons and rectifies, his reward is with Allah.

He, Glory be to Him love those who forgives people. He has instructed it:

Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good.

(Surah Al A’raf: 199)

Then whoever pardons people, Allah, the Most High, will pardon him. And Allah, the Most High, praises those who pardons in many verses, as His saying:

O you who have believed, indeed, among your spouses and your children are enemies to you, so beware of them. But if you pardon and overlook and forgive, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Surah Taghabun, verse 14.

Why This Dua on Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr is the most spiritually potent night of the year. It’s a night of decree, when Allah ordains the affairs of His creation for the coming year. On this night, angels descend, mercy overflows, and Allah’s forgiveness is abundant. With such immense blessings, we’re encouraged to seek forgiveness and ask for a clean slate.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) specifically recommended this dua to his beloved wife, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), when she asked him what to say on Laylat al-Qadr.

By emphasizing this dua, the Prophet (pbuh) highlighted its importance as a way to seek complete pardon on this unique night, when our prayers hold extra weight.

Benefits Of Seeking Forgiveness

When we ask for Allah’s pardon, we’re not just seeking to be forgiven; we’re seeking a fresh start, with our past mistakes completely wiped away.

This dua is an acknowledgment that we are imperfect, but we have hope in Allah’s mercy. Asking for pardon also reflects humility, sincerity, and a genuine desire to be closer to Allah.

And as we ask for His pardon, we are reminded of our dependence on His mercy and our desire to be among those who will be forgiven and enter Paradise.

It Provides Sustenance

Allah Says:

“And (Noah) said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.” He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.

Quran 71:10-12

It opens the door of mercy

Allah says:

Declare (O Muhammad SAW) unto My slaves, that truly, I am the Oft-Forgiving, the Most-Merciful.

Surah Al-Hijr 15:49

It removes Stress and Anxiety

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” (Abu Dawud)

An Eraser of Sins

“Then, verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allâh) in ignorance and afterward repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter, (to such) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Quran 16:119

And Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness [Quran, 8:33]

Your Dua (Supplication) is Accepted

My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.

Quran 38:35

This was the dua of Prophet Sulaiman who started his dua by seeking forgiveness from Allah first then asking for his request. That request was granted and will stand until the day of judgement.

Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Images

How to Make This Dua on Laylat al-Qadr

The dua for Laylat al-Qadr is best said with sincerity and presence of heart. Here are some ways you can include it in your worship:

1. In Qiyam (Night Prayers): During the last ten nights of Ramadan, Muslims often stay up in worship, especially on the odd nights, in search of Laylat al-Qadr. Including this dua in your qiyam prayers, especially in sujood (prostration) when you are closest to Allah, is a beautiful way to seek His pardon.
2. During Quiet Reflection: You can also take a moment of silence, reflect on your past, and sincerely say this dua. Remember that Allah loves it when we make a heartfelt plea. Think about what you’re asking for — a true cleanse from all sins.
3. Throughout the Night: Laylat al-Qadr is a time to increase worship, and repeating this dua throughout the night, along with Quran recitation and other acts of worship, is highly encouraged. As the Prophet (pbuh) said, those who worship sincerely on this night, with hope for Allah’s mercy, will have their sins forgiven.

The Spiritual Lessons from This Dua

1. Hope in Allah’s Mercy: The dua reminds us that no matter how many mistakes we’ve made, Allah’s mercy is far greater. He loves to pardon, and we should never lose hope in His forgiveness.
2. Importance of Seeking Pardon: Instead of dwelling on our shortcomings, we’re encouraged to take action by seeking pardon. This dua motivates us to repent, turn to Allah, and aim to be better.
3. Focusing on What Allah Loves: Knowing that Allah loves to pardon, we are reminded to seek what Allah loves. By asking for pardon, we align ourselves with Allah’s preferred path for us: a journey toward forgiveness, growth, and sincerity.
4. A Lifelong Practice: Though this dua is especially recommended on Laylat al-Qadr, it’s a beautiful reminder that seeking pardon can be a daily practice. We can say this dua at any time, seeking Allah’s mercy in our lives.

Conclusion

This dua for Laylat al-Qadr, “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, You love pardon, so pardon me,” is short but deeply meaningful.

It reflects our humility, our hope in Allah’s mercy, and our desire to start anew. On a night when Allah’s mercy overflows, this dua helps us draw close to Him, seeking His love, forgiveness, and an opportunity to become better versions of ourselves.

May Allah grant us the ability to find Laylat al-Qadr, make this dua with sincerity, and receive His pardon. And may we emerge from Ramadan with cleansed hearts and renewed faith. Ameen.

May we always seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, and may we be inspired to forgive others with the same grace and compassion. Ameen.