Allāhumma aj‘alnā min ‘ibādika alladhīna yuḥibbūna al-‘afwa ‘ani an-nās. Meaning
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Meaning of the Dua
This supplication asks Allah to include the supplicant among those righteous servants who possess the noble quality of loving to forgive others. It reflects a desire to embody forgiveness as a consistent trait, not just an occasional act.
Key Themes
Love for Forgiveness
The dua emphasizes *loving* to forgive, not just doing it reluctantly. This indicates an internal transformation where forgiveness becomes a natural, joyful response to harm or injustice. It aligns with the Quranic praise of those who “repel evil with good” (41:34) and “pardon and overlook” (24:22).
Imitating Divine Mercy
Allah is *Al-‘Afuw* (The Pardoner), who repeatedly forgives sins. By seeking this trait, believers strive to mirror Allah’s mercy in their interactions. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: *”Be merciful to others, and you will receive mercy. Forgive others, and Allah will forgive you.”* (Musnad Ahmad)
Spiritual and Social Benefits
Forgiveness heals hearts, resolves conflicts, and fosters unity. The dua acknowledges that holding grudges harms oneself first. Psychological studies confirm that forgiveness reduces stress and increases emotional well-being.
Connection to Repentance
Forgiving others is tied to receiving Allah’s forgiveness. The Prophet (ﷺ) warned: *”Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.”* (Bukhari) This dua is a proactive step to purify one’s heart and earn divine grace.
Practical Application
Self-Reflection: Regularly assess if resentment is dominating your heart. Empathy: Remember that everyone errs, just as you seek Allah’s pardon. Daily Practice: Start small—overlook minor slights, pray for those who wrong you.
Conclusion
This dua is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, urging believers to transcend ego and embrace the higher path of mercy. By internalizing forgiveness, one draws closer to Allah’s pleasure and societal harmony.
When to Use:
The phrase *”اللهم اجعلنا من عبادك الذين يحبون العفو عن الناس”* (translation: *”O Allah, make us among Your servants who love to forgive people”*) is a supplication (dua) rooted in Islamic teachings. It is used in personal prayers, especially when seeking Allah’s help in cultivating forgiveness, patience, and mercy toward others.
Situations for Use:
1. After Personal Conflicts – Recited to soften one’s heart and let go of grudges.
2. During Night Prayers (Tahajjud/Qiyam al-Layl) – Seeking Allah’s assistance in developing a forgiving nature.
3. After Wrongdoing by Others – When struggling to pardon someone who has caused harm.
4. In Daily Adhkar (Remembrances) – As part of morning/evening supplications to nurture a forgiving character.
5. Before or After Salah – Added in personal duas to embody the Quranic and Prophetic emphasis on forgiveness (e.g., Quran 24:22, Hadith on mercy).
Spiritual Significance:
– Aligns with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who emphasized forgiveness.
– Reflects the Quranic value of *”pardoning and overlooking”* (Quran 64:14).
– Helps purify the heart from resentment and pride.
This dua is a reminder that true strength lies in mercy, and seeking Allah’s aid in forgiveness elevates one’s faith and character.