When Sayyida Aisha (رضي الله عنها) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) what she should say in her prayers, his response became one of the most comprehensive and beloved supplications in Islam. The Dua e Masura in English represents a perfect balance of seeking forgiveness, requesting well-being, and asking for Allah’s mercy all essential elements every believer needs daily.
Many people recite this prayer without fully grasping its profound meanings or the proper occasions for its recitation. This complete reference provides you with the authentic Arabic text, accurate transliteration, English translation, and practical guidance on incorporating this blessed supplication into your worship routine.
Whether you’re new to Islamic prayers or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, understanding this dua will transform how you connect with Allah during your most vulnerable moments of worship.
What Is Dua e Masura?
Dua e Masura refers to the supplication the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught to Sayyida Aisha (رضي الله عنها) when she asked what she should recite during the prostration (sujood) in optional night prayers (Tahajjud). The term “masura” comes from Arabic roots meaning “narrated” or “transmitted,” indicating this is a prophetically-narrated prayer.
This supplication holds special significance because it was specifically taught by the Prophet (ﷺ) as a response to a direct question about what words are most pleasing to Allah during intimate moments of worship.
Historical Authenticity
The dua is recorded in authentic hadith collections:
- Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 3851)
- Sunan Abu Dawood (Hadith 1482)
- Musnad Ahmad (Hadith 24428)
Islamic scholars unanimously accept its authenticity, making it a reliable and recommended supplication for all Muslims.
Complete Dua e Masura with Arabic Text
Primary Supplication
Dua e Masura in Arabic Text:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي، اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيَّ وَمِنْ خَلْفِي وَعَنْ يَمِينِي وَعَنْ شِمَالِي وَمِنْ فَوْقِي وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي
Dua e Masura in English Transliteration:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka al-afiyah fid-dunya wal-akhirah. Allahumma inni as’aluka al-afwa wal-afiyah fi deeni wa dunyaya wa ahli wa mali. Allahumma-stur awrati wa amin raw’ati. Allahummah-fadhni min bayni yadayya wa min khalfi wa an yameeni wa an shimali wa min fawqi, wa a’udhu bi-adhamatika an ughtala min tahti.”
Dua e Masura in English Translation:
“O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the hereafter. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my faults and calm my fears. O Allah, guard me from in front of me and behind me, from my right and my left, and from above me. I seek refuge in Your Greatness from being unexpectedly destroyed from beneath me.”
Allahummaghfirli: The Forgiveness Supplication
Another commonly recited version of dua e masura focuses specifically on seeking forgiveness the “Allahummaghfirli” supplication.
Arabic Text:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، وَعَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ
Transliteration:
“Allahummaghfir li dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa alaniyatahu wa sirrahu.”
English Translation:
“O Allah, forgive all my sins the minor and the major, the first and the last, the apparent and the hidden.”
This particular formulation is recorded in Sahih Muslim (Hadith 483), where the Prophet (ﷺ) would recite it during his prostrations in prayer.
Read Also: Rabbish Rahli Sadri Dua
When to Recite Dua e Masura in Namaz
During Sujood
The most authentic and recommended time for reciting this supplication is during sujood in any prayer, particularly:
- Tahajjud (night prayers): The original context in which it was taught
- Nafl (voluntary prayers): Any optional prayers throughout the day
- After obligatory prayers: During extra prostrations for spiritual connection
Islamic scholars note that prostration is the position where a servant is closest to Allah, making it the ideal moment for heartfelt supplication.
After Tashahhud
Some people also recite shorter versions after completing the tashahhud (sitting position) before giving salam, though the primary narration emphasizes sujood.
Morning and Evening Adhkar
The comprehensive version asking for protection from all directions is also recommended as part of morning and evening remembrance routines, even outside formal prayer.
Deep Meanings and Benefits
Seeking Al-Afiyah (Well-being)
The word “afiyah” encompasses physical health, mental peace, spiritual protection, and safety from trials. It represents a state of complete wellness that only Allah can grant. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Ask Allah for afiyah, for after certainty of faith, no one has been given anything better than afiyah” (Sunan Tirmidhi 3558).
Comprehensive Protection Request
Notice how the dua asks for protection from six directions: front, back, right, left, above, and below. This symbolizes complete vulnerability before Allah and acknowledgment that only He can provide true security in every aspect of life.
Concealment of Faults
“Allahumma-stur awrati” asks Allah to cover our weaknesses and sins from public exposure a mercy every human needs, as we all fall short in various ways.
Forgiveness for All Categories of Sin
The Allahummaghfirli version categorizes sins systematically: small and large, past and future, public and private. This comprehensive approach ensures no sin remains unaddressed in our plea for forgiveness.
Dua e Masura in Urdu
اردو ترجمہ:
اے اللہ! میں تجھ سے دنیا اور آخرت میں عافیت مانگتا ہوں۔ اے اللہ! میں تجھ سے اپنے دین، دنیا، گھر والوں اور مال میں معافی اور عافیت کا سوال کرتا ہوں۔ اے اللہ! میری پردہ پوشی فرما اور میرے خوف کو امن میں بدل دے۔ اے اللہ! میری حفاظت فرما میرے آگے سے، میرے پیچھے سے، میرے دائیں سے، میرے بائیں سے اور میرے اوپر سے۔ اور میں تیری عظمت کی پناہ مانگتا ہوں کہ میں اپنے نیچے سے اچانک ہلاک کر دیا جاؤں۔
Dua e Masura in Hindi
हिंदी अनुवाद:
ऐ अल्लाह! मैं तुझसे दुनिया और आखिरत में आफियत (भलाई) मांगता हूँ। ऐ अल्लाह! मैं तुझसे अपने दीन, दुनिया, परिवार और धन में माफी और आफियत का सवाल करता हूँ। ऐ अल्लाह! मेरे दोषों को छिपा और मेरे डर को शांति में बदल दे। ऐ अल्लाह! मेरी रक्षा कर मेरे आगे से, मेरे पीछे से, मेरे दाएं से, मेरे बाएं से और मेरे ऊपर से। और मैं तेरी महानता की शरण लेता हूँ कि मैं अपने नीचे से अचानक नष्ट कर दिया जाऊं।
Practical Tips for Memorization
Start Small: Begin with just the first sentence and add one line each day.
Understand First: Knowing the meaning makes memorization easier and recitation more meaningful.
Use Audio Resources: Listen to authentic recitations to correct your pronunciation.
Repeat Daily: Consistency during sujood in your five daily prayers will naturally cement it in memory.
Write It Down: Visual learning reinforces auditory memorization for many people.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing Through the Words
Supplication requires presence of heart. Reciting rapidly without contemplating the meanings diminishes the spiritual benefit.
Incorrect Pronunciation
Mispronouncing Arabic words can change meanings entirely. Take time to verify correct pronunciation, especially for letters like ‘ayn (ع) and ghayn (غ).
Limiting to One Prayer Type
While taught for Tahajjud, this dua benefits any prostration. Don’t restrict yourself unnecessarily.
Forgetting the Intention
Remember you’re not just reciting words you’re genuinely asking the Creator of the universe for protection and forgiveness. Approach with humility and hope.
Who Can Recite This Dua?
Every Muslim male, female, young, old, new to Islam or lifelong practitioner can and should recite this blessed supplication. It was taught by the Prophet (ﷺ) for universal benefit, not restricted to any particular group.
Children can begin learning simplified versions, gradually building to the complete text as they mature in understanding.
Scholarly Perspectives
Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullah) emphasized that the dua asking for afiyah is among the most comprehensive supplications, as it includes both worldly and religious well-being.
Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah (rahimahullah) noted that seeking Allah’s protection from all six directions demonstrates the believer’s complete reliance on divine care rather than their own strength.
Contemporary scholars like Sheikh Ibn Baz and Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on them) consistently recommended this supplication in their teachings about daily adhkar.
Conclusion
The dua e masura represents prophetic wisdom distilled into powerful words that address our deepest needs: forgiveness, protection, and comprehensive well-being. When Sayyida Aisha (رضي الله عنها) sought guidance on the best supplication, the Prophet (ﷺ) gave her and through her, all of us this timeless gift.
Incorporating this authentic prayer into your daily worship routine creates a shield of divine protection and opens doors to Allah’s infinite mercy. The beauty lies not in lengthy recitation but in heartfelt sincerity. Even 30 seconds spent in prostration with these words, understanding their weight, can transform your spiritual state.
Remember that Allah loves when His servants call upon Him. He promises in the Quran: “Call upon Me, I will respond to you” (Quran 40:60). This dua gives you the perfect words to make that call words chosen and taught by the best of creation (ﷺ).
Make this blessed supplication a daily companion. Teach it to your children. Share its meanings with those seeking spiritual growth. Most importantly, recite it with the certainty that Allah hears every word, knows every need, and responds in ways that are always best for you.
? FAQs About Dua e Masura in English
Can I recite dua e masura in English if I don’t know Arabic?
Yes, Allah understands all languages and accepts sincere supplication in any tongue. However, learning the Arabic version is highly encouraged since it’s the exact words taught by the Prophet (ﷺ). Begin with understanding the English meaning while gradually memorizing the Arabic.
How many times should I recite this dua?
There’s no fixed number required. Even once with full concentration and sincerity is valuable. Some people recite it three times for emphasis, particularly in morning and evening adhkar routines.
Is dua e masura only for Tahajjud prayer?
No. While originally taught for night prayers, you can recite it during any prostration in obligatory or voluntary prayers, and even outside prayer as part of daily supplications.
What if I make a mistake while reciting in Arabic?
Allah judges based on sincerity and effort, not perfection. Continue learning and improving your pronunciation. Your intention to recite correctly matters immensely.
Can women recite this dua during menstruation?
Yes. Supplication (dua) can be made at any time, including during menstruation. The restriction during this time applies only to touching the Quran without barrier and performing salah, not to making dua.
Is there a specific time when this dua is most powerful?
While beneficial anytime, the last third of the night (during Tahajjud), during prostration, and the time between adhan and iqamah are particularly blessed moments when supplications are readily accepted.
Can I recite both versions (afiyah and maghfirli) together?
Absolutely. Both are authentic, and combining them provides comprehensive coverage of seeking well-being and forgiveness.
Do I need to raise my hands when making this dua in sujood?
No. During prostration, hands remain flat on the ground. Raising hands for dua is specific to situations outside salah.
Written by: Ahmad Raza
Credentials: Islamic Studies Content Writer
Read More duas for daily life at The Dua For You