Supplication for Forgiveness

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 7387, 7388
Narrated Abdullah bin Amr: Abu Bakr al-Siddiq رضي الله عنه said “O Allah’s Messenger ﷺ! Teach me a du‘a (supplication) to say in my prayer. The Prophet ﷺ said “Say: O Allah! I have wronged myself greatly, and none forgives sins but You, So forgive me with a forgiveness from Yourself, and have mercy on me, Indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”

What does this mean?

• The Prophet ﷺ didn’t say this about himself – he was teaching Abu Bakr and all of us what to say when seeking forgiveness.
• The phrase “I have wronged myself greatly” is general – it’s for anyone who feels regret, weakness, or guilt.
• This wasn’t only for prayer – even though Abu Bakr asked for something to say in salah, this du‘a can be said any time:
  In bed, walking, after sin, after a mistake, or just out of fear that we were ungrateful.

Forgiveness Isn’t Limited to Salah

You don’t need to wait for prayer to say:
“O Allah, I made a mistake. I was wrong. Forgive me.”

The Qur’an confirms this over and over:

📖Quran 3:135
And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins — and who can forgive sins except Allah?”

• This is exactly what you mentioned: Remembering Allah after a mistake, not necessarily during prayer.

📖Quran 4:110
Whoever does a wrong or wrongs themselves then seeks Allah’s forgiveness will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”

📖 Quran 39:53
Say: O My servants who have wronged themselves — do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.”