The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us the following dua to recite when entering the masjid:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Transliteration:
Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik
Translation:
O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 713)
When and How to Recite the Dua
- Step into the masjid with your right foot first.
- Say the dua quietly as you enter.
- This dua can be said whenever you enter any mosque.
Why We Recite This Dua
The masjid is a special place for worship and seeking closeness to Allah. By reciting this dua, we ask Allah to bless our time inside the masjid and grant us His mercy.
Etiquettes for Entering a Masjid
In addition to reciting this dua, here are some simple etiquettes to remember:
- Enter quietly and respectfully.
- Pray two rak‘ahs (units of prayer), known as Tahiyyat al-Masjid, before sitting down.
- Greet other Muslims softly by saying "Assalamu Alaikum."
- Avoid loud conversations or distracting behavior.
Following these etiquettes helps us show respect for the masjid and follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Conclusion
Remembering this short and meaningful dua will make your visit to the masjid more rewarding. Next time you step into a masjid, start by reciting "Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik," and experience the peace and blessings of this beautiful Sunnah.
