Dua on Waking Up: La Ilaha Illallah and Rabbighfir Li
Waking up after a night’s sleep is a blessing from Allah. A believer begins the new day by remembering the One who gave life, restored strength, and allowed another opportunity to worship Him. Among the beautiful morning supplications is a powerful dua that combines tawhid, praise of Allah, glorification, acknowledgment of His greatness, and a request for forgiveness.
Arabic Dua
لا إلهَ إلاّ اللّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَريكَ له، لهُ المُلكُ ولهُ الحَمد، وهوَ على كلّ شيءٍ قدير، سُبْحانَ اللهِ، والحمْدُ لله، ولا إلهَ إلاّ اللهُ واللهُ أكبَر، وَلا حَولَ وَلا قوّة إلاّ باللّهِ العليّ العظيم، رَبِّ اغْفرْ لي
Transliteration
Lā ‘ilāha ‘illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr. Subḥānallāhi, walḥamdu lillāhi, wa lā ‘ilāha ‘illallāhu, wallāhu akbar, wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata ‘illā billāhil-‘aliyyil-‘aẓīm, rabbighfir lī.
English Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is able to do all things. Glory is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. There is none worthy of worship but Allah. Allah is the Most Great. There is no might and no power except by Allah’s leave, the Exalted, the Mighty. My Lord, forgive me.
Why This Morning Dua Is Important
The first words of this supplication affirm the foundation of Islam: there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. The believer begins the day by remembering Allah’s absolute ownership and power. Everything we have, including our life, health, family, abilities, and opportunities, is from Him.
The dua then brings together several forms of dhikr. We glorify Allah with “Subhanallah,” praise Him with “Alhamdulillah,” affirm His oneness with “La ilaha illallah,” and proclaim His greatness with “Allahu Akbar.” It also reminds us that there is no power or ability except through Allah.
The final words, “Rabbighfir li,” are a simple but profound request: “My Lord, forgive me.” Starting the day with istighfar helps a believer remember that every new morning is an opportunity to return to Allah, correct mistakes, and seek His mercy.
Make It Part of Your Morning Routine
Instead of reaching for your phone immediately after waking, try beginning the morning with dhikr. Recite this dua attentively and think about its meaning. A few moments of sincere remembrance can help set the spiritual direction of the entire day.
Hadith Reference
This supplication is mentioned in Hisn al-Muslim, Hadith 2, with references including Al-Bukhari 3/39 and Ibn Majah 2/335.
May Allah make our mornings filled with gratitude, remembrance, repentance, and sincere reliance upon Him.