Scholars relay that one of the most beloved du’as to make during these last ten nights in the hope that it falls on Laylatul Qadr is the following:
“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun (Karimun) tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”
Translation: “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, (Generous) You love to pardon, so pardon me”- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Bukhari.
When praying for forgiveness, turn to Allah (SWT) with sincerity, knowing that we are in complete need of Him, while He is needless of us. Make the intention of never returning to past mistakes, and of aiming to please Allah (SWT) in our actions.
“Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven.”
The above hadith shows the importance of the blessed night, and of spending time connecting with Allah (SWT). Laylatul Qadr is a gift for us, and a means of purifying ourselves so that Allah (SWT) may be pleased with us. It’s important to make use of the entire night in order to reap the full benefits of the night, and seek Allah (SWT)’s mercy.
By making du’a for forgiveness, Allah (swt) sends His Divine Help, forgiveness and mercy to us, benefiting us in this life and the next.
Another beneficial du’a for Laylatul Qadr is to ask Allah (SWT) for good in this life and the next:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘azaaban-nar”.
Translation: Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the punishment of Hellfire.
It’s important to make du’a for our Muslim brothers and sisters across that world, and to ask Allah (SWT) to grant them ease, patience and fulfil their needs. This laylatul Qadr, make sure to pray for our brothers and sisters who have been affected by the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey. It’s also recommended to read the following du’a:
‘Allahumma aslih Ummata Muhammad. Allahumma farrij ‘an Ummati Muhammad. Allahumma Rham Ummata Muhammad [sallAllahu alayhi wasalam]
Translation: O Allah! Improve (help) the state of the Ummah of Muhammad. O Allah! Grant ease to the Ummah of Muhammad. O Allah! Have mercy on the Ummah of Muhammad.
It’s important to show good etiquette when making du’a in order to please Allah (SWT).Begin with praising Allah and send salutations to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“When any one of you have performed salah (prayer) and wants to supplicate, let him begin with praising His Lord (swt) and glorifying Him, then send prayers upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Then he may supplicate for whatever he wishes” [Tirmidhi]
Turn to Allah and supplicate with sincerity and humility, with the inner feeling of being His slave. Call out to Allah Almighty by His beautiful names and try and apply the name of Allah that is most befitting to what you are asking for.