Dua for Forgiveness

“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be among the losers.” The Arabic, how to say it, when to read it, and its source.

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

Transliteration
Rabbanā ẓalamnā anfusanā wa il-lam taghfir lanā wa tarḥamnā lanakūnanna minal-khāsirīn
Meaning
Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be among the losers.
Source
Quran 7:23

When to say it

  • After a mistake or sin
  • In sujood (prostration) and at night
  • Any time, as regular repentance

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About this dua

This is the dua of Prophet Adam and Hawwa (Eve) عليهما السلام after eating from the tree (Quran 7:23). It teaches us to admit our mistake honestly and turn to Allah’s mercy.

For a shorter daily phrase, see Astaghfirullah.

Quran and hadith references link to quran.com and sunnah.com. Reviewed 19 October 2026. How we check sources. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.

📜 A story about this

The Man Who Killed 99 People · A story the Prophet ﷺ told about a man who had done the worst, and still set out towards Allah.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the dua for forgiveness?

Rabbanā ẓalamnā anfusanā wa il-lam taghfir lanā wa tarḥamnā lanakūnanna minal-khāsirīn: “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be among the losers.” (Quran 7:23).

Is this dua authentic?

Yes. It is from Quran 7:23. The source is linked on this page so you can check it.

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