Supplication (Du’a) of ‘Kumayl’
Granted by Amir Al-Mu’minin Ali Ibn Abi Talib to his devotee Kumayl Ibn Ziad - Shi’as are commended to recite this prayer at least once a week.
An intelligent reading of the ‘Du’a Kumayl’, the worded supplication granted by Ali to one of his intimate devotees Kumayl Ibn Ziad, will disclose to the reader the unique nature of the touching appeal it has to invoke the Divine Mercy as well as the sublime eloquence it presents.
Once Kumayl requested the Holy Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib for some prayer with which he could get his heart tranquilled. The Holy Imam granted this prayer saying:
“Kumayl! Take this prayer and recite it every night. If thou canst not do it every night, recite it once a week. If thou canst not do it, recite it, once a month. If thou canst not do it, recite it once a year. And Kumayl! if thou canst not do that even, recite thou, at least once in thy life”
A copy of the Arabic Text of the Prayer along with the English translation of it by Hujjat ul-Islam Ayatullah Agha Hajj Mirza Mahdi Pooya Yazdi, is given hereunder, not only for the information about:
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The Conception of God in Islam.
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The various divine attributes concerning God’s dealing with His creation.
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The hopes of man, in the Divine Mercy.
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The surety of the merciful response to the sincere implorations from His faithful servants.
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The inimitable sublime eloquence of the divinely inspired language, its flow, and its unfailing and moving appeal to rouse the mercy of the All-Merciful Lord.
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The actual tranquillity it certainly gives to the supplicant, making him confidently hopeful of the sure response.
But also, to use it as advised by Amir Al-Mu’minin to Kumayl Ibn Ziad, reciting the Arabic Text with the knowledge of the prayer and get benefited by it.
Du’a Kumayl Arabic Text And Translation
أَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ عَلىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
O Allah! Send Your blessings to Prophet Muhammad and his family
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficient, The Most Merciful
Section 1
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْألُكَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ الَّتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيٍْء
O Allah! I ask You by Your Mercy which covers all things.
وَبِقُوَّتِكَ الَّتِي قَهَرْتَ بِهَا كُلَّ شَيٍْء
By Your strengths, through which overpowers all things.
وَخَضَعَ لَهَا كُلُّ شَيٍْء
Towards which all things I submit
وَذَلَّ لَهَا كُلُّ شَيٍْء
And before which all things are humble.
وَبِجَبرُوتِكَ الَّتِي غَلَبْتَ بِهَا كُلَّ شَيٍْء
By Your power through which you overpower all things.
وَبِعِزَّتِكَ الَّتِي لا يَقُومُ لَهَا شَيْءٌ
By Your might through which nothing can resist.
وَبِعَظَمَتِكَ الَّتِي مَلأَتْ كُلَّ شَيٍْء
By Your greatness which has filled all things.
وَبِسُلْطَانِكَ الَّذِي عَلاَ كُلَّ شَيٍْء
By Your authority which towers over all things.
وَبِوَجْهِكَ الْبَاقِي بَعْدَ فَنَاءِ كُلِّ شَيٍْء
By Your face which remains after all things have perished
وَبِأَسْمَائِكَ الَّتِي مَلأَتْ أَرْكَانَ كُلِّ شَيٍْء
By Your names which have filled the foundations of all things.
وَبِعِلْمِكَ الَّذِي أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَيٍْء
By Your knowledge which covers all things
وَبِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ الَّذِي أَضَاءَ لَهُ كُلُّ شَيٍْء
And by the light of Your face through which all things are lit.
يَا نُورُ يَا قُدُّوسُ
O Light! O Holy!
يَا أَوَّلَ الْأَوَّلِينَ
O First of the First!
وَيَا آخِرَ الآخِرِينَ
O Last of the Last!
Section 2
اللَّهُمَ اغْفِرْ لِي الذُّنُوبَ الَّتِي تَهتِكُ الْعِصَمَ
O Allah! Forgive me those sins which removes Your protection
اللَّهُمَ اغْفِرْ لِي الذُّنُوبَ الَّتِي تُنْزِلُ النِّقَمَ
O Allah! Forgive me those sins which brings me troubles
اللَّهُمَ اغْفِرْ لِي الذُّنُوبَ الَّتِي تُغيِّرُ النِّعَمَ
O Allah! Forgive me those sins which changes Your blessings
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي الذُّنُوبَ الَّتِي تَحْبِسُ الدُّعَاءَ
O Allah! Forgive me those sins which holds back my requests
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي الذُّنُوبَ الَّتِي تَقْطَعُ الرََّّجَاءَ
O Allah! Forgive me those sins which cut off the hopes
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي الذُّنُوبَ الَّتِي تُنْزِلُ البَلاءَ
O Allah! Forgive me those sins which brings me sufferings
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي كُلَّ ذَنْبٍ أَذْنَبْتُهُ وَكُلَّ خَطِيئَةٍ أَخْطَأْتُهَا
O Allah! Forgive me every sin I have committed and every mistake I have made.
Section 3
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَتَقَرَّبُ إِلَيْكَ بِذِكْرِكَ
O Allah! I seek nearness to You through Your remembrance
وَأَسْتَشْفِعُ بِكَ إِلَي نَفْسِكَ
And pray for your intercession through You.
وَأَسْألُكَ بِجُودِكَ أَن تُدْنِيَنِي مِن قُرْبِكَ وَأَن تُوزِعَنِي شُكْرَكَ
Request You through Your generosity to bring me closer to You with gratitude
وَأَن تُلْهِمَنِي ذِكْرَكَ
And to inspire me with Your remembrance
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْألُكَ سُؤَالَ خَاضِعٍ مُّتَذَلِّلٍ خَاشِعٍ أَن تُسَامِحَنِي وَتَرْحَمَنِي
O Allah! I ask You obediently, and as a humble servant to be generous to me, to have mercy on me
وَتَجْعلَنِي بِقَسَمِكَ رَاضِياً قَانِعاً، وَفِي جَمِيعِ الأَحْوَاِل مُتَوَاضِعاً
And to make me satisfied and contented with Your distribution and make me humble in every way
Section 4
اللَّهُمَّ وَأَسْألُكَ سُؤَالَ مَنِ اشْتَدَّتْ فَاقَتُهُ
O Allah! I ask You as one whose poverty is intense,
وَأَنزَلَ بِكَ عِنْدَ الشَّدَائِدِ حَاجَتَهُ
who has stated to You in difficulties his needs
وَعَظُمَ فِيمَا عِنْدَكَ رَغْبَتُهُ
And whose desire for what is with You has become great.
اللَّهُمَّ عَظُمَ سُلْطَانُكَ وَعَلاَ مَكَانُكَ
O Allah! Your authority is tremendous, Your place is high,
وَخَفِي مَكْرُكَ وَظَهَرَ أَمْرُكَ
Your creation is overwhelming, Your command is clear
وَغَلَبَ قَهْرُكَ وَجَرَتْ قُدْرَتُكَ
And Your authority is great. Your power is unlimited
وَلا يُمْكِنُ الْفِرَارُ مِنْ حُكُومَتِكَ
And escape from Your control is impossible.
Section 5
اللَّهُمَّ لا أَجِدُ لِذُنُوبِي غَافِراً
O Allah! I find no forgiver of my sins,
وَّلا لِقَبَائِحِي سَاتِراً
No one to cover my shameful acts,
وَّلا لِشَيٍْء مِّنْ عَمَلِي الْقَبِيحِ بِالْحَسَنِ مُبَدِّلاً غَيْرَكَ
No one but You to change my actions into good.
لا إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنتَ
There is no God but You,
سُبْحَانَكَ وَبِحَمْدِكَ
Glory and praise be to You!
ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي
I have wronged myself!
وَتَجَرَّأْتُ بِجَهْلِي
Daring in my ignorance,
وَسَكَنتُ إِلَي قَدِيمِ ذِكْرِكَ لِي وَمَنِّكَ عَلَيَّ
And I have taken for granted Your past remembrance of me and Your favours towards me.
Section 6
اللَّهُمَّ مَوْلايَ
O Allah! O my Protector!
كَم مِّن قَبِيحٍ سَتَرْتَهُ
How many ugly things have You concealed?
وَكَم مِّن فَاِدحٍ مِّنَ البَلاءِ أَقَلْتَهُ
How many heavy trials have You reduced?
وَكَم مِّنْ عِثَارٍ وَّقَيْتَهُ
How many falls, errors or mistakes have You prevented?
وَكَم مِّن مَّكْرُوهٍ دَفَعْتَهُ
How many undesirable deeds have You prevented
وَكَم مِّن ثَنَاٍء جَمِيلٍ لَّسْتُ أَهْلاً لَّهُ نَشَرْتَهُ
And how much beautiful praise, for which I was unworthy, have You spread around me?
Section 7
اللَّهُمَّ عَظُمَ بَلائِي
O Allah! my hardship is extremely great,
وَأَفْرَطَ بِي سُوءُ حَاِلي
My condition is too much,
وَقَصُرَتْ بِي أَعْمَاِلي
My acts are imperfect,
وَقَعَدَتْ بِي أَغْلاَلِي
My sins have tied me down,
وَحَبَسَنِي عَن نَّفْعِي بُعْدُ آمَاِلي
My hopes have held me back from my gains
وَخَدَعَتْنِي الدُّنْيَا بِغُرُورِهَا وَنَفْسِي بِجِنَايَتِهَا وَمِطَاِلي
And this world with its unrealities, my own soul has deceived me with its dishonesty and delay.
يَا سَيِّدِي فَأَسْألُكَ بِعِزَّتِكَ أَن لا يَحْجُبَ عَنْكَ دُعَائِي سُوءُ عَمَلِي وَفِعَاِلي
O my Master! So I ask You by Your might; not to let my evil works and acts cover my requests to You,
وَلا تَفْضَحَنِي بِخَفِيِّ مَا اطَّلَعْتَ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ سِرِّي
Not to shame me by exposing my hidden secrets
وَلا تُعَاجِلْنِي بِالْعُقُوبَةِ عَلَى مَا عَمِلْتُهُ فِي خَلَوَاتِي
And not to hasten me to punishment for what I have done in private such as;
مِنْ سُوءِ فِعْلِي وَإِسَاءَتِي،
My evil acts in secrecy, my misdeeds,
وَدَوَامِ تَفْرِيطِي وَجَهَالَتِي
My continuous carelessness, my ignorance,
وَكَثْرَةِ شَهَوَاتِي وَغَفْلَتِي
My many desires, and my forgetfulness.
وَكُنِ اللَّهُمَّ بِعِزَّتِكَ لِي فِي كُلِّ الأَحْوَاِل رَؤُوفاً
So by Your might, O Allah! Be kind to me
وَّعَلَيَّ فِي جَمِيعِ الأُمُورِ عَطُوفاً
And merciful in all my condition
Section 8
إِلَهِي وَرَبِّي مَن لِّي غَيْرُكَ أَسْألُهُ كَشْفَ ضُرِّي وَالْنَّظَرَ فِي أَمْرِي!
O Allah and my Lord! Do I have anyone other than You to ask for removal of my troubles and consider my affairs?
إِلَهِي وَمَوْلاي أَجْرَيْتَ عَلَيَّ حُكْماً اتَّبَعْتُ فِيهِ هَوَى نَفْسِي،
My Allah and my Protector! You gave me freedom; I followed my desires and misused it
وَلَمْ أَحْتَرِسْ فِيهِ مِن تَزْيينِ عَدُوِّي،
And did not take notice of the severity of my enemies
فَغَرَّنِي بِمَا أَهْوَى وَأَسْعَدَهُ عَلَى ذَلِكَ القَضَاءُ
Who deceived me through my soul and the decree helped him in this.
فَتَجَاوَزْتُ بِمَا جَرَى عَلَيَّ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بَعْضَ حُدُودِكَ
I crossed the limits as set by You
وَخَالَفْتُ بَعْضَ أَوَامِرِكَ
And disobeyed some of Your commands
فَلَكَ الْحُجَّةُ عَلَيَّ فِي جَمِيعِ ذَلِكَ
Therefore, You have the clear arguments against me in all these matters,
وَلا حُجَّةَ لِي فِيمَا جَرَي عَلَيَّ فِيهِ قَضَاؤُكَ،
And I have no arguments against You in that, which you have ordained
وَأَلْزَمَنِي حُكْمُكَ وَبَلاؤُكَ
And imposed on me and Your trials
Section 9
وَقَدْ أَتَيْتُكَ يَا إِلَهِي بَعْدَ تَقْصِيرِي وَإِسْرَافِي عَلَى نَفْسِي
O my Allah! I come to You, after being guilty of negligence in my actions; and being lavish on myself;
مُعْتَذِراً نَّادِماً، مُّنْكَسِراً مُّسْتَقِيلاً مُّسْتَغْفِراً مُّنِيباً، مُّقِرّاً مُّذْعِناً مُّعْتَرِفاً
I appear before You; regretful, broken, apologizing, asking forgiveness, repenting, acknowledging, submissive, and confessing
لا أَجِدُ مَفَرّاً مِّمَّا كَانَ مِنِّي
I cannot see any escape from what I have done?
وَلا مَفْزَعاً أَتَوَجَّهُ إِلَيْهِ في أَمْرِي
I cannot find any shelter towards which I can turn
غَيْرَ قَبُولِكَ عُذْرِي، وَإِدخَاِلكَ إِيَاي فِي سَعَةٍ مِّن رَّحْمَتِكَ
Except that You forgive me, have mercy on me and allow me to enter within the bounds of Your mercy.
Section 10
اللَّهُمَّ فَاقْبَل عُذْرِي
Therefore, O Allah! Accept my pleas,
وَارْحَمْ شِدَّةَ ضُرِّي
Take pity on my severe sufferings
وَفُكَّنِي مِن شَدِّ وَثَاقِي
And set me free of my burden.
يَا رَبِّ ارْحَمْ ضَعْفَ بَدَنِي وَرِقَّةَ جِلْدِي وَدِقَّةَ عَظْمِي
O Lord! Have mercy upon the weakness of my body, on the tenderness of my skin and the weakness of my bones.
يَا مَنْ بَدَأَ خَلْقِي وَذِكْرِي وَتَرْبِيَتِي وَبِرِّي وَتَغْذِيَتِي
O You who give rise to my creation and remembrance! Created me; began my upbringing and ensured my welfare and nurture from the very beginning,
هَبْنِي لابْتِدَاءِ كَرَمِكَ وَسَاِلفِ بِرِّكَ بِي
continue Your favours and generosity as before.
Section 11
يَا إِلَهِي وَسَيِّدِي وَرَبِّي
My Allah! my Master! and my Lord!
أَتُرَاكَ مُعَذِّبِي بِنَارِكَ بَعْدَ تَوْحِيدِكَ
Can You see me being punished with fire, after I have believed in Your unity?
وَبَعْدَ مَا انْطَوَى عَلَيْهِ قَلْبِي مِن مَّعْرِفَتِكَ
After my heart has acknowledged You?
وَلَهِجَ بِهِ لِسَانِي مِنْ ذِكْرِكَ
After my tongue has constantly remembered You?
وَاعْتَقَدَهُ ضَمِيرِي مِنْ حُبِّكَ
After my conscience has been strongly bound to love You and
وَبَعْدَ صِدْقِ اعْتِرَافِي وَدُعَائِي خَاضِعاً لِّرُبُوبِيَّتِكَ
After my true confession and humble prayers to You, O Lordship!
هَيْهَاتَ أَنتَ أَكْرَمُ مِنْ أَن تُضَيِّعَ مَن رَّبَّيْتَهُ
Far be it from You? You are more generous than that! that You should waste one whom You have nourished.
أَوْ تُبْعِدَ مَنْ أَدْنَيْتَهُ
Or turn away one whom You have brought near;
أَوْ تُشَرِّدَ مَنْ آوَيْتَهُ
Arive away one whom You have given shelter
أَوْ تُسْلِّمَ إِلىَ الْبلاءِ مَن كَفَيْتَهُ وَرَحِمْتَهُ
Or submit to troubles; one whom You have made self-sufficient and shown mercy.
Section 12
وَلَيْتَ شِعْرِي يَا سَيِّدِي وَإِلَهِي وَمَوْلاي
My Master! my Allah! O my Protector!
أَتُسَلِّطُ النَّارَ عَلَى وُجُوهٍ خَرَّتْ لِعَظَمَتِكَ سَاجِدَةً
Can you impose fire on the faces of those which have bowed in worship of Your greatness?
وَّعَلَى أَلْسُنٍ نَّطَقَتْ بِتَوْحِيدِكَ صَادِقَةً وَّبِشُكْرِكَ مَادِحَةً
Or on the tongues that have testified to Your unity and thanked You with praise?
وَّعَلَى قُلُوبٍ اعْتَرَفَتْ بِإِلَهِيَّتِكَ مُحَقِّقَةً
Or on the hearts that have acknowledged Your divinity with truthfulness?
وَّعَلَى ضَمَائِرَ حَوَتْ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ بِكَ حَتَّى صَارَتْ خَاشِعَةً
Or on the minds that are covered by knowledge of You to an extent, that they have become humble?
وَّعَلَى جَواِرحَ سَعَتْ إِلَى أَوْطَانِ تَعَبُّدِكَ طَائِعَةً وَّأَشَارَتْ بِاسْتِغْفَارِكَ مُذْعِنَةً
Or on the limbs that have moved towards the places of Your worship in obedience, and aiming for Your forgiveness in submission?
مَّا هَكَذَا الظَّنُّ بِكَ وَلا أُخْبِرْنَا بِفَضْلِكَ عَنكَ
This can never be expected from You? Nor has it ever been reported, thanks to Your bounty,
يَا كَرِيمُ، يَا رَبِّ
O Generous One! O Lord!
Section 13
وَأَنتَ تَعْلَمُ ضَعْفِي عَن قَلِيلٍ مِّن بَلاءِ الدُّنْيَا وَعُقُوبَاتِهَا،
You know that I am too weak to bear even a small portion of this world’s troubles and punishment,
وَمَا يَجْرِي فِيهَا مِنَ الْمَكَارِهِ عَلَى أَهْلِهَا
Or the sorrow that falls on the people that live in it?
عَلَى أَنَّ ذَلِكَ بَلاءٌ وَّمَكْرُوهٌ، قَلِيلٌ مَّكْثُهُ، يَسِيرٌ بَقَاؤُهُ، قَصِيرٌ مُّدَّتُهُ
Though these troubles are passing, vanishing and short lived?
فَكَيْفَ احْتِمَاِلي لِبَلاءِ الآخِرَةِ وَجَلِيلِ وُقُوعِ الْمَكَارِهِ فِيهَا!
So how then, will I bear the trials of the hereafter? with its tremendous sufferings,
وَهُوَ بَلاءٌ تَطُولُ مُدَّتُهُ، وَيَدُومُ مَقَامُهُ، وَلا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْ أَهْلِهِ
And its prolonged hardships and everlasting state which shall never be reduced for the people?
لأَنَّهُ لا يَكُونُ إِلاَّ عَنْ غَضَبِكَ وَانتِقَامِكَ وَسَخَطِكَ وَهَذَا مَا لا تَقُومُ لَهُ السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالأَرْضُ
For it is nothing but a result of Your punishments and anger which neither the heavens nor the earth can bear.
يَا سَيِّدِي فَكَيْفَ بِي
How then, O Lord! Can I,
وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ الضَّعِيفُ الذَّلِيلُ الْحَقِيرُ الْمِسْكِينُ الْمُسْتَكِينُ
Your weak, miserable, humble, poor, and incapable slave withstand it?
Section 14
يَا إِلَهِي وَرَبِّي وَسَيِّدِي وَمَوْلاي
My Allah! my Lord! my Protector! my Master!
لأَيِّ الأُمُورِ إِلَيْكَ أَشْكُو
Of how many matters shall I complain to You?
وَلِمَا مِنْهَا أَضِجُّ وَأَبْكِي
And for what things shall I weep and wail?
وَلِمَا مِنْهَا أَضِجُّ وَأَبْكِي
For the severe punishment
أَمْ لِطُولِ الْبَلاءِ وَمُدَّتِهِ!
or for the long period of trouble?
فَلَئِن صَيَّرْتَنِي لِلْعُقُوبَاتِ مَعَ أَعْدَائِكَ
For, if you take me to the punishments with Your enemies;
وَجَمَعْتَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ أَهْلِ بَلائِكَ
Gather me with the chastised punished people
وَفَرَّقْتَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ أَحِبَّائِكَ وَأَوْلِيَائِكَ
And separate me from those love You?
فَهَبْنِي يَا إِلَهِي وَسَيِّدِي وَمَوْلاي وَرَبِّي صَبَرْتُ عَلَى عَذَابِكَ،
Then suppose? My Allah! my Protector! my Master! my Lord! I am able to endure Your punishment?
فَكَيْفَ أَصْبِرُ عَلَى فِرَاقِكَ
how can I bear the separation from You?
وَهَبْنِي صَبَرْتُ عَلَى حَرِّ نَارِكَ،
And suppose I am able to endure the heat of Your fire?
فَكَيْفَ أَصْبِرُ عَنِ النَّظَرِ إِلَى كَرَامَتِكَ
How can I bear not being able to look for Your generosity?
أَمْ كَيْفَ أَسْكُنُ فِي النَّارِ وَرَجَائِي عَفْوُكَ
How can I remain in fire, while I have hope of Your forgiveness?
Section 15
فَبِعِزَّتِكَ يَا سَيِّدِي وَمَوْلاي أُقْسِمُ صَادِقاً، لَئِن تَرَكْتَنِي نَاطِقاً
So by Your Might! my Master! and my Protector! I swear truthfully if You leave me with the power of speech;
لأَضِجَّنَّ إِلَيْكَ بَيْنَ أَهْلِهَا ضَجِيجَ الآمِلِينَ
I will cry out to You. with the cry of the hopeful
وَلأَصْرُخَنَّ إِلَيكَ صُرَاخَ المُسْتَصْرِخِينَ
And I will scream with the voice of those who cry for help
وَلأَبْكِيَنَّ عَلَيْكَ بُكَاءَ الفَاقِدِينَ
And I will cry with the cry of those that are desperate
وَلأُنَادِيَنَّكَ أَيْنَ كُنتَ يَا وَلِيَّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
And I will keep calling out to You saying; Where are You? O Friend of the believers!
يَا غَايَةَ آمَاِل العَارِفِينَ
The Final Hope of those without hope!
يَا غِيَاثَ المُسْتَغِيثِينَ
Helper of those who seek help!
يَا حَبِيبَ قُلُوبِ الصَّادِقِينَ
Beloved of the truthful one
وَيَا إِلَهَ العَالَمِينَ
God of all the worlds!
أَفَتُرَاكَ، سُبْحَانَكَ يَا إِلَهِي وَبِحَمْدِكَ، تَسْمَعُ فِيهَا صَوْتَ عَبْدٍ مُّسْلِمٍ
Can You see Yourself? Glory is to You, My Allah! and Yours is the praise, Hearing within the fire, the voice of a slave submitted to You,
سُجِنَ فِيهَا بِمُخَالَفَتِهِ
Imprisoned there because of his misdeeds?
وَذَاقَ طَعْمَ عَذَابِهَا بِمَعْصِيَتِهِ
Tasting the flavor of its torments because of his disobedience?
وَذَاقَ طَعْمَ عَذَابِهَا بِمَعْصِيَتِهِ
And confined within its levels because of his sins and crimes?
وَهُوَ يَضِجُّ إلَيْكَ ضَجِيجَ مُؤَمِّلٍ لِّرَحْمَتِكَ
While he cries to You with a cry of one who is hopeful of Your mercy;
وَيُنَادِيكَ بِلِسَانِ أَهْلِ تَوْحِيدِكَ
Calls to You with the tongue of those who confess Your unity
وَيَتَوَسَّلُ إلَيْكَ بِرُبُوبِيَّتِكَ
And seeks Your help, with faith in Your Lordship?
Section 16
يَا مَوْلاي فَكَيْفَ يَبقَى فِي الْعَذَابِ وَهُوَ يَرْجُو مَا سَلَفَ مِنْ حِلْمِكَ
My Master! How shall the sinner remain in the place of torment while he has hope for Your previous forgiveness?
أَمْ كَيْفَ تُؤْلِمُهُ النَّارُ وَهُوَ يَامَلُ فَضْلَكَ وَرَحْمَتَكَ
Or how should the fire cause him pain, while he expects Your bounty and mercy?
أَمْ كَيْفَ يُحْرِقُهُ لَهِيبُهَا وَأَنتَ تَسْمَعُ صَوْتَهُ وَتَرَى مَكَانَهُ
Or how should its Hames bum him while You hear his voice and sees his place?
أَمْ كَيْفَ يَشْتَمِلُ عَلَيْهِ زَفِيرُهَا وَأَنتَ تَعْلَمُ ضَعْفَهُ
Or how should its sufferings surround him while You know of his weakness?
أَمْ كَيْفَ يَتَقَلْقَلُ بَيْنَ أَطْبَاقِهَا وَأَنتَ تَعْلَمُ صِدْقَهُ
Or how should he be tortured among its levels while You know his sincerity?
أَمْ كَيْفَ تَزْجُرُهُ زَبَانِيَتُهَا وَهُوَ يُنَادِيكَ يَا رَبَّهُ
And how can its guards torture him, while he keeps calling upon You as his Lord?
أَمْ كَيْفَ يَرْجُو فَضْلَكَ فِي عِتْقِهِ مِنْهَا فَتَتْرُكُهُ فِيهَا
How is it possible that while he is hopeful of Your grace in setting him free, that You should abandon him within it?
هَيهَاتَ مَا ذَلِكَ الظَّنُّ بِكَ
Far be it from You - That is not what is expected of You,
وَلا الْمَعْرُوفُ مِن فَضْلِكَ
Nor has it ever been known to be so, by Your grace!
وَلا مُشْبِهٌ لِمَا عَامَلْتَ بِهِ الْمُوَحِّدِينَ مِنْ بِرِّكَ وَإِحْسَانِكَ
Nor does it resemble to the goodness and kindness You have shown to those who believe in Your unity
فَبِالْيَقِينِ أَقْطَعُ لَوْلا مَا حَكَمْتَ بِهِ مِن تَعْذِيبِ جَاحِدِيكَ
So I declare with certainty; that were it not for what You have decreed concerning the punishment for those who did not believe in You;
وَقَضَيْتَ بِهِ مِنْ إِخْلاَدِ مُعَانِدِيكَ
And had You not declared that Your enemies should remain therein forever.
لَجَعَلْتَ النَّارَ كُلَّهَا بَرْداً وَّسَلاَماً،
You would have made the fire cold and harmless,
وَمَا كَانَ لأَحَدٍ فِيهَا مَقَرّاً وَّلا مُقَاماً
And no one would have a place of rest or abode within it.
لَّكِنَّكَ تَقَدَّسَتْ أَسْمَاؤُكَ أَقْسَمْتَ أَنْ تَمْلأَهَا مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ،
But You! Holy are Your names; have sworn that You will fill it with the unbelievers,
مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ
Both amongst the Jinn and men
وَأَن تُخَلِّدَ فِيهَا الْمُعَانِدِينَ
And that You will place those who stubbornly resist therein forever
وَأَنتَ جَلَّ ثَنَاؤُكَ قُلْتَ مُبْتَدَئاً، وَّتَطَوَّلْتَ بِالإِنْعَامِ مُتَكَرِّماً:
And You! Majestic is Your praise! Have said in the beginning out of Your extensive Grace, through kindness and as a favour;
أَفَمَنْ كَانَ مُؤْمِنًا كَمَنْ كَانَ فَاسِقًا لَا يَسْتَوُونَ
“What? Is he who has been a believer like the one who is a transgressor? They are not equal” (32:18)
Section 17
إِلَهِي وَسَيِّدِي فَأَسْألُكَ بِالْقُدْرَةِ الَّتِي قَدَّرْتَهَا
My Allah and my Master! Therefore, I ask You (in the name of) the fate You have enforced
وَبِالْقَضِيَّةِ الَّتِي حَتَمْتَهَا وَحَكَمْتَهَا وَغَلَبْتَ مَنْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرَيْتَهَا
And (in the name of) the destiny You have determined and imposed, overpowering thereby, those on whom You have imposed it;
أَن تَهَبَ لِي، فِي هذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ، وَفِي هَذِهِ السَّاعَةِ
To forgive me tonight, and at this hour;
كُلَّ جُرْمٍ أَجْرَمْتُهُ
every offence I have committed;
وَكُلَّ ذَنْبٍ أَذْنَبْتُهُ
every sin I have performed;
وَكُلَّ قَبِيحٍ أَسْرَرْتُهُ
every ugly thing I have concealed
وَكُلَّ جَهْلٍ عَمِلْتُهُ،
And all the mistakes that are mine,
كَتَمْتُهُ أَوْ أَعْلَنتُهُ،
hidden or disclosed;
أَخفَيْتُهُ أَوْ أَظْهَرْتُهُ
Covered or open,
وَكُلَّ سَيِّئَةٍ أَمَرْتَ بِإِثْبَاتِهَا الْكِرَامَ الكَاتِبِينَ
And every evil act which You have commanded the noble writers to record
الَّذِينَ وَكَّلْتَهُم بِحِفْظِ مَا يَكُونُ مِنِّي
Those whom You have appointed to watch over what appears from me
وَجَعَلْتَهُمْ شُهُوداً عَلَيَّ مَعَ جَوَارِحِي،
And whom You have made, along with my bodily members, witness against me!
وَكُنتَ أَنتَ الرَّقِيبَ عَلَيَّ مِن وَّرَائِهِمْ،
‘And You were Yourself the Watcher’ (Surah-Al-Maidah-Ayah 117) over me from behind them
وَالشَّاهِدَ لِمَا خَفِي عَنْهُمْ،
And the witness of what is hidden from them
وَبِرَحْمَتِكَ أَخْفَيْتَهُ،
But through Your mercy, You concealed it
وَبفَضْلِكَ سَتَرْتَهُ
And through Your Grace You covered it
وَأَن تُوَفِّرَ حَظِّي مِن كُلِّ خَيْرٍ تُنْزِلُهُ،
And I ask You to increase my portion, in all the good that You have sent down
أَوْ إِحْسَانٍ تُفْضِلُهُ
And in all the kindness that You have given
أَوْ بِرٍّ تَنْشِرُهُ،
And in the virtue that You have extended
أَوْ رِزْقٍ تَبْسُطُهُ
And in the sustenance that You have spread,
أَوْ ذَنْبٍ تَغْفِرُهُ
And the sins which You forgive
أَوْ خَطَأٍ تَسْتُرُهُ
And in the misdeeds which You conceal
Section 18
يَا رَبِّ يَا رَبِّ يَا رَبِّ
My Lord, my Lord, my Lord!
يَا إِلَهِي وَسَيِّدِي وَمَوْلاي وَمَاِلكَ رِقِّي
My Allah! my Master! My Protector! Owner of my freedom!
يَا مَنْ بِيَدِهِ نَاصِيَتِي
O He, in whose hand is my destiny!
يَا عَلِيماً بِضُرِّي وَمَسْكَنَتِي
O He, who knows my hardship and my misery!
يَا خَبِيراً بِفَقْرِي وَفَاقَتِي
O He, who is aware of my poverty and my needs!
يَا رَبِّ يَا رَبِّ يَا رَبِّ
My Lord, my Lord, my Lord!
أَسْألُكَ بِحَقِّكَ وَقُدْسِكَ
I ask You by Your truth. Your holiness
وَأَعْظَمِ صِفَاتِكَ وَأَسْمَائِكَ
And the greatness of Your attributes and names,
أن تَجْعَلَ أَوْقَاتِي فِي اللَّيلِ وَالنَّهَارِ بِذِكْرِكَ مَعْمُورَةً،
To grant; that my time, by day and by night, be occupied with Your remembrance
وَبِخِدْمَتِكَ مَوْصُولَةً،
And bound to Your services,
وَّأَعْمَاِلي عِنْدَكَ مَقْبُولَةً،
And let my work be acceptable to You
حَتَّى تَكُونَ أَعْمَاِلي وَأَوْرَادِي كُلُّهَا وِرْداً وَّاحِداً،
To such an extent that all my deeds and habits may become one single effort
وَّحَاِلي فِي خِدْمَتِكَ سَرْمَداً
And my occupation with Your service everlasting.
Section 19
يَا سَيِّدِي، يَا مَنْ عَلَيْهِ مُعَوَّلِي
My Master! O He! Upon whom I depend?
يَا مَنْ إلَيْهِ شَكَوْتُ أَحْوَاِلي
O He! To whom I complain about my condition?
يَا رَبِّ يَا رَبِّ يَا رَبِّ
My Lord, my Lord, my Lord!
قَوِّ عَلَى خِدْمَتِكَ جَوَارِحِي
Strengthen my limbs for Your service
وَاشْدُدْ عَلىَ الْعَزِيمَةِ جَوَانِحِي
And increase my will in this determination
وَهَبْ لِي الْجِدَّ فِي خَشْيَتِكَ
And grant me that I might be serious in fearing You,
وَالدَّوَامَ فِي الإتِّصَاِل بِخِدْمَتِكَ
And remain forever occupied in Your service to such an extent;
حَتَّى أَسْرَحَ إِلَيكَ فِي مَيَادِينِ السَّابِقِينَ
That I may race faster towards You in the field with those who are the foremost
وَأُسْرِعَ إلَيْكَ فِي الْمبُادِرِينَ
And I may hurry on with those;
وَأَشْتَاقَ إلىَ قُرْبِكَ فِي الْمُشْتَاقِينَ
who rush anxiously to be near You
وَأَدْنُوَ مِنْكَ دُنُوَّ الْمُخْلِصِينَ
And I may be near you like the sincere ones who are near You
وَأَخَافَكَ مَخَافَةَ الْمُوقِنِينَ
And I may fear You like those firm believers who fear You
وَأَجْتَمِعَ فِي جِوَارِكَ مَعَ الْمُؤْمنِينَ
And I may join in the assembly of the faithful near You.
Section 20
اللَّهُمَّ وَمَنْ أَرَادَنِي بِسُوٍء فَأَرِدْهُ
O Allah! Wish him ill who wishes ill for me.
وَمَن كَادَنِي فَكِدْهُ
And plot against him who plots against me
وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَحَسَنِ عَبِيدِكَ نَصِيباً عِنْدَكَ
And make me one of the most excellent of Your slaves
وَأَقْرَبِهِم مَّنْزِلَةً مِّنْكَ
And the nearest to You,
وَأَخَصِّهِمْ زُلْفَةً لَّديْكَ
and those in close proximity,
فَإِنَّهُ لا يُنَالُ ذَلِكَ إِلاَّ بِفَضْلِكَ
For that cannot be attained without Your favour,
وَجُدْ لِي بِجُودِكَ
Be generous to me with Your generosity,
وَاعْطِفْ عَلَيَّ بِمَجْدِكَ
And extend Your grace towards me by Your glory
وَاحْفَظْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ
And protect me by Your mercy.
وَاجْعَل لِّسَانِي بِذِكْرِكَ لَهِجاً
Let my tongue speak in remembrance of You
وَّقَلْبِي بِحُبِّكَ مُتَيَّماً
Let my heart be filled with Your love
وَّمُنَّ عَلَيَّ بِحُسْنِ إِجَابَتِكَ
Be kind to me with favourable acceptance
وَأَقِلْنِي عَثْرَتِي
Reduce my mistakes
وَاغْفِرْ زَلَّتِي
And forgive my sins
فَإِنَّكَ قَضَيْتَ عَلَى عِبَادِكَ بِعِبَادَتِكَ
For You have ordered Your worship for Your servants,
وَأَمَرْتَهُم بِدُعَائِكَ
Commanded them to ask from You
وَضَمِنتَ لَهُمُ الإِجَابَةَ
And assured them that they would be answered.
فَإِلَيْكَ يَا رَبِّ نَصَبْتُ وَجْهِي
So upon You, my Lord! I have turned my face and towards You,
وَإلَيْكَ يَا رَبِّ مَدَدتُّ يَدِي
My Lord! I have extended my hand
فَبِعِزَّتِكَ اسْتَجِبْ لِي دُعَائِي
Therefore (in the name) of Your honour, accept my prayer
وَبَلِّغْنِي مُنَاي
And make me attain my hopes
وَلا تَقْطَعْ مِن فَضْلِكَ رَجَائِي
And by Your favour, do not cut short my hopes
وَاكْفِنِي شَرَّ الْجِنِّ وَالإِنْسِ مِنْ أَعْدَائِي
And protect me from the evil of my enemies from among the Jinn and men!
يَا سَرِيعَ الرِّضَا
O He! whose pleasure is quickly achieved!
اغْفِرْ لِمَن لا يَمْلِكُ إِلاَّ الدُّعَاءَ
Forgive one whose only wealth is in prayer?
فَإِنَّكَ فَعَّالٌ لِّمَا تَشَاءُ
For You do, what You will!
يَا مَنْ اسْمُهُ دَوَاءٌ
O He! whose name is a remedy,
وَذِكْرُهُ شِفَاءٌ
Whose Remembrance is a cure!
وَطَاعَتُهُ غِنًى
And whose obedience is wealth!
ارْحَم مَّن رَّأْسُ مَاِلهِ الرَّجَاءُ
Have mercy upon him whose capital is hope
وَسِلاَحُهُ الْبُكَاءُ
And whose weapon is tears
يَا سَاِبغَ النِّعَمِ
O You, who has abundant blessings
يَا دَافِعَ النِّقَمِ
And removes misfortunes,
يَا نُورَ الْمُسْتَوْحِشِينَ فِي الظُّلَمِ
O Light of those who are lonely in the darkness!
يَا عَالِماً لا يُعَلَّمُ
O Knower! Who was never taught!
صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَّآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
Bless Muhammad and his family;
وافْعَلْ بِي مَا أَنتَ أَهْلُهُ
do with me what is worthy of You
وَصَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَى رَسُولِهِ وَالأَئِمَّةِ الْمَيَامِينَ مِنْ آلِهِ
And bless his messenger and the holy Imams of his household
وَسَلَّمَ تَسْلِيماً كَثِيراً
And give them abundant peace Ameen
