Rafed English
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This book is a republication of our earlier book on Salatul Layl. With the Tawfiq of Allah, we have been able to improve the format and the content so as to make the book both easier to use and more comprehensive. We hope the changes will benefit all Mu’mineen.


The book now includes many more du’as for Salatul Layl which have been taught to us by the Ma’sumeen (a). These du’as are derived from authentic sources of du’as listed in the Bibliography. It is hoped that Mu’mineen will recite some of these du’as and relish the beauty of these supplications.

We pray that the Almighty may give us the chance to be from among those who recite Salatul Layl regularly.
H. and T. Kassamali
Sha’ban 1424/October 2003
The remembrance of Allah is the greatest deed of the human being. It elevates his life, brings him peace and happiness, and enables him to fulfill the real mission of his life in this world. When Allah describes believers in the Holy Qur’an, He says; Those who believe and whose hearts are set at rest by the remembrance of Allah,

now surely by Allah’s remembrance are the hearts set at rest. (13:28).

The Holy Prophet (s) has said: There is no action more beloved to Allah, and nothing that saves man so well from the evil of this world and the Hereafter, than the remembrance of Allah.

Among the ways of remembering Allah is waking up at night for Salatul Layl. As explained in the following pages, the Holy Qur’an and Hadith have much to say about this very important part of the worship of a believer. Its merits and effects are tremendous. One who recites Salatul Layl regularly is following the path of the Prophets and the Ma’sumeen (a).

Salatul Layl has a basic method which is explained in this book. It also has many du’as that can be recited with it, some of which are included in this book. These are beautiful du’as with profound meaning. Although it is difficult to have time to recite all these du’as, it is possible to recite some of them at some times. Even portions of these du’as may be read.

The du’as have been divided into:

a) Basic Du’as - du’as that are recommended to be recited often during Salatul Layl.

b) Additional Du’as - even more du’as recited by Ma’sumeen (a) in Salatul Layl are included in this section for recitation if time permits.

There is no doubt that these du’as, if recited with understanding and reflection, can greatly enhance our experience of reciting Salatul Layl.

May the Almighty help us to recite Salatul Layl in the way it should be recited.
There are many verses of the Holy Qur’an which talk about the importance of Salatul Layl. These verses describe it as the practice of the pious people, and the means to attain closeness to Allah. Those who wish to attain this nearness forego a part of their sleep, and wake up early to seek forgiveness from Allah. They sacrifice their sleep and comfort for the pleasure of reciting Salatul Layl.

In many verses of the Qur’an, Allah enjoins the rising by the night for glorification and worship of Allah. He says:
 
وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَإِدْبَارَ النُّجُومِ
And in the night, give Him glory too, and at the setting of the stars (52:49)
He also says:
وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَاسْجُدْ لَهُ وَسَبِّحْهُ لَيْلًا طَوِيلاً
And during part of the night adore Him, and give glory to Him (for a) long (part of the) night (76:26)
Allah says about those who rise at night:
كَانُوا قَلِيلاً مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ
وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ
They used to sleep but little in the night. And in the early part of the morning they asked forgiveness. (51: 16-17)
In another verse He says:
تَتَجَافَى جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ فَلاَ تَعْلَمُ نَفْسٌ مَّا أُخْفِيَ لَهُم مِّن قُرَّةِ أَعْيُنٍ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
Their sides draw away from (their) beds, they call upon their Lord in fear and in hope, and they spend (benevolently) out of what We have given them So no soul knows what is hidden for them of that which will refresh the eyes; a reward for what they did. (32: 16-17)
Therefore, the reward for those who rise by night to glorify Allah cannot be described. As the Holy Prophet (s) has said: There is no good deed except that its reward has been outlined in the Qur’an, except Salatul Layl. Almighty Allah has not specified its reward due to its greatness with Him.
In yet another verse Allah describes the effect of reciting Salatul Layl for the believer. He says:
وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَى أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا
And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory. (17:79)
In this verse Almighty Allah describes the extraordinary spiritual effects of reciting Salatul layl. It raises the human being to Maqame Mahmood, a position of glory and praise. It is an elevated position with Allah, one that few people can attain.
During the day numerous affairs occupy the time and mind of the human being. In the midst of all this preoccupation, it is difficult to have the peace of mind and heart so necessary for good worship. But at night when it is dark and silent, when the demands of the material world are quiet for a while, the human being can acquire a tranquil state which allows him to be in harmony with his Creator.
It is at this time that the human being acquires a special state of mind and energy which is very conducive to increasing his spirituality and strengthening the connection with his Creator. That is why the friends of Allah, and those who seek nearness to Him, always make the most of the last part of the night. They purify their souls, enliven their hearts, strengthen their will, and perfect their sincerity, through worship at this special time.
Salatul Layl is thus one of the most effective ways of achieving closeness to Allah. That is why Allah says in Sura al-Muzammil (#73):
إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ اللَّيْلِ هِيَ أَشَدُّ وَطْءًا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلاً
Surely the rising by night is the firmest way to tread and the best corrective of speech. (73:6)
 
There are many hadith that emphasize the importance of Salatul Layl. Some of them are as follows.

1. Three things bring happiness to the heart of a believer:

a) Meeting brethren in faith

b) Breaking the fast

c) Waking up in the later part of the night for Salatul Layl

Holy Prophet (s)

2. Jibrael continued to advise me about staying up at night until I thought that the virtuous ones of my Ummah do not sleep.

Holy Prophet (s)

3. The honor and greatness of a believer lies in his praying at night.

Imam as-Sadiq (a)

4. I detest that a man who has recited the Qur’an, wakes up at night but does not rise until the morning when he wakes up for Salaat of Subh.

Imam as-Sadiq (a)

5. Allah says; “Wealth and children are an ornament of the life of this world” (18:46), but the eight raka’ats recited by a servant at the end of the night are an ornament of the Hereafter.

Imam as-Sadiq (a)

6. Two raka’ats of prayer recited in the darkness of the night are more beloved to me than the world and all that is in it.

Holy Prophet (s)

7. The rising by night is healthy for the bodies.

Imam Ali (a)

8. Salatul Layl brightens the faces, makes the night pleasant, and attracts sustenance.

Imam as-Sadiq (a)

9. When the servant of Allah turns to his Lord in the middle of the dark night, and whispers to Him, Allah establishes His light in his heart . . . then He tells the angels: O my angels, look at my servant. He has turned to Me in the middle of the dark night while the false ones are playing, and the heedless ones are sleeping; bear witness that I have forgiven him.

Holy Prophet (s)

10. Whoever has been granted the chance to recite Salatul Layl, a male servant or a female one, and he(or she) rises for Allah sincerely, does proper wudhu , prays salaat for Allah with a true intention, a sound heart, a humble body and a tearful eye, Allah will place behind him nine rows of angels. The number of angels in each row cannot be counted except by Allah. One side of each row is in the East, and the other is in the West. Then when he completes his prayer, he gets the reward of all of the angels in the rows.

Holy Prophet (s)

11. There is no good deed except that its reward has been outlined in the Qur’an, except the Salatul Layl. Almighty Allah has not specified its reward due to its greatness with Him. He says (about the reward of those who recite Salatul Layl):

So no soul knows what is hidden for them of that which will refresh the eyes; a reward for what they did.(32:17)

Holy Prophet (s)

12. A man came to Imam Ali (a) and said: I have been denied the chance to recite Salatul Layl. The Imam replied: Your sins have prevented you.

13. Whoever tells himself he will wake up for Salatul Layl but sleeps through the time, his sleep will be charity and the reward of what he intended will be written for him.

Holy Prophet (s)

14. Do not disregard the reciting of Salatul Layl, for the one who is denied Salatul Layl is in a great loss.

Imam as-Sadiq (a)
The time for Salatul Layl begins after midnight until the time for Fajr (morning) prayers. The best time for it is as close to the Fajr prayer as possible. When there is not enough time, it is recommended to at least recite the last three raka’ats, or even just the last rak’ah of Salatul Witr.

Salatul Layl consists of a total of 11 raka’ats, divided into the following prayers:

1. Nafilah of Layl: 8 raka’ats (4 x 2 raka’ats)
2. Salât al-Shaf’a: 2 raka’ats
3. Salat al-Witr: 1 raka’at
Method
The foundation of the prayer consists of the 11 raka’ats. In addition, there are a variety of surahs and supplications that have been recommended for recitation during these raka’ats. What follows is the description of one of the ways that has been recommended.

Additional supplications are also included. Please also refer to the section on Salatul Layl in Al-Baqiyat al-Salihat (commonly found on the margins of or as an appendix to Mafatihul Jinan) for other variations.
Nafilah of Layl
The 8 raka’ats of Nafilah are divided into four prayers of two raka’ats each. With the intention of reciting two raka’ats of Salatul layl, recite two raka’ats like the Fajr prayer.

After Sura al-Hamd it is recommended to recite al-Ikhlas (#112) in the first raka’at and Sura al-Kafirun (#109) in the second raka’at. Qunut is recommended in the second raka’at and can simply consist of saying a salawat only or subhanallah three times.

In the other salats of Nafilah of Layl, any small surahs can be recited after Sura al-Hamd. It is also permissible to omit the second surah after Suratul Hamd during these raka’ats.
Sura al-Kafirun (#109)
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ لاَ أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ
وَلاَ أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ وَلاَ أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ
وَلاَ أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ
In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful
Say: O unbelievers
I do not serve that which you serve
Nor do you serve Him Whom I serve
Nor am I going to serve that which you serve
Nor are you going to serve Him Whom I serve
You shall have your religion and I shall have my religion.
Salat al-Shaf’a
This is a two rak’aat prayer, and there is no qunoot in it.
1st raka’at: Recite Sura an Nas after al-Hamd.
2nd raka’at: Recite Sura al-Falaq after al-Hamd.
Sura al-Falaq (#113)
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ ، مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ ،
وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ ، وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ ، وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ
In the name of Allâh the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Say: I seek refuge with (Allâh) the Lord of the daybreak
From the evil of what He has created;
And from the evil of the dark night as it comes into darkness
And from the evil of those who blow in knots
And from the evil of the envier when he envies.
Sura an-Nas (#114)
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ، مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ، إِلَهِ النَّاسِ ،
مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ، الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ، مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَ النَّاسِ
In the Name of Allâh, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Say: I seek refuge with (Allâh) the Lord of mankind
The King of mankind
The God of mankind
From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws
Who whispers in the hearts of mankind,
From among the jinns and men.
Salatul Witr
This is a one rak’ah prayer. The following surahs are recited after Sura al-Hamd.
Sura al-Ikhlas (#112) 3 times
Sura al-Falaq (#113) 1 time
Sura an-Nas (#114) 1 time
Qunut of Salatul Witr
After completing the Surahs recite Qunut in the following manner. It is highly emphasized to be humble and tearful in Salatul Witr. Raise the left hand for asking forgiveness and use the right for holding a tasbih. Some recommended duas are as follows.

a) Recite the following du’a

(See also the longer version of this du’a: Du’a Qunut for Salatul Layl)
 
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
لآ اِلَهَ اِلاَّ اللّهُ الْحَلِيْمُ الْكَرِيْمُ
لآ اِلَهَ اِلاَّ اللّهُ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيْمُ
سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ رَبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ
وَ رَبِّ الاَرْضِيْنَ السَّبْعِ
وَ مَا فِيْهِنَّ وَ مَا بَيْنَهُنَّ وَ مَا فَوْقَهُنَّ وَ مَا تَحْتَهُنَّ
رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمِ وَ سَلاَمٌ عَلى الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ
وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ
وَ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ الطَّاهِرِيْنَ
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the merciful
There is no god except Allah
the Forbearing, the Generous
There is no god except Allah
the High the Almighty

Glory be to Allah
Lord of the seven heavens
and Lord of the seven earths

and whatever is in them, and between them
and above them and below them,
Lord of the Mighty Throne.
Peace be on the Messengers.
All praise is for Allah Lord of the worlds.
O Allah bless Muhammad and his pure family.

b) Recite 70 times this prayer for forgiveness
 
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّهَ رَبِّي وَ اَتُوْبُ اِلَيْهِ
I seek forgiveness of Allah my Lord and I turn to Him
c) Ask for the forgiveness of forty believers, men and women, who have died or are living, by repeating forty times:
اَللّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِ
O’ Allah, forgive
Fill in the names of believers. Apart from relatives and friends, it is recommended to remember the Ulama (Scholars) who have served and propagated Islam. If it is not possible to name forty believers, name as many as possible and then say:
اَللّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ
O Allah forgive all believers, male and female
Then say:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّهَ الَّذِي لاَ اِلَهَ اِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لِجَمِيْعِ ظُلْمِي وَ جُرْمِي وَ اِسْرَافِي عَلى نَفْسِي وَ اَتُوْبُ اِلَيْهِ
I seek forgiveness of Allah, He who there is no god but He, the Ever living, the subsisting, from all my oppressions and my sins and my excesses on my soul, and I turn (repentant) to Him
d) Repeat seven times:
هذَا مَقَامُ الْعَآئِذِ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ
This is the position of one who seeks refuge in You from the fire
e) Say three hundred times: اَلْعَفْوَ
(I ask for Your) pardon
Then say:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَ ارْحَمْنِي وَ تُبْ عَلَيَّ
اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيْمُ
My Lord, forgive me and have mercy on me, and turn to me Surely You are the Oft-returning, the Merciful
 
Du’a before beginning Salatul Layl
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
اَللّهُمَّ اِنِّي اَتَوَجَّهُ اِلَيْكَ بِنَبِيِّكَ
نَبِيِّ الرَّحْمَةِ وَ آلِهِ
وَ اُقَدِّمُهُمْ بَيْنَ يَدَيْ حَوَ ائِجِي
فَاجْعَلْنِي بِهِمْ وَجِيْهًا
فِي الدُّنْيَا وَ الآخِرَةِ
وَ مِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِيْنَ
اَللّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِي بِهِمْ
 
English translation of Du’a before beginning Salatul Layl
In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family
O Allah I turn to You through Your Prophet
the Prophet of mercy
and (through) his family
and I place them in front of my needs
so make me
through them,
respected, in the world
and in the hereafter
and from the near ones
O Allah have mercy on me
through them
 
وَ لاَ تُعَذِّبْنِي بِهِمْ
وَ اهْدِنِي بِهِمْ
وَ لاَ تُضِلَّنِي بِهِمْ
وَ ارْزُقْنِي بِهِمْ
وَ لاَ تَحْرِمْنِي بِهِمْ
وَ اقْضِ لِي حَوَائِجَ الدُّنْيَا وَ الآَخِرَةِ
اِنَّكَ عَلى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ
وَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيْمٌ
and do not punish me
through them
and guide me
through them
and do not lead me astray
through them
and grant me sustenance
through them
and do not deny me
through them
and fulfill my needs
of the world and the hereafter
Surely You have power over all things
and (You) are aware of all things
Du’a after 8 raka’ats of Nafilah of Layl
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
اَللّهُمَّ اَنْتَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّوْمُ
اَلْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيْمُ
اَلْخَالِقُ الرَّازِقُ اَلْمُحْيِي الْمُمِيْتُ
اَلْبَدِيئُ الْبَدِيْعُ
لَكَ الْكَرَمُ وَ لَكَ الْجُوْدُ
وَ لَكَ الْمَنُّ وَ لَكَ الاَمْرُ
وَحْدَكَ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَكَ
 
English translation of Du’a after 8 raka’ats of Nafilah of Layl
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family

O Allah You are the Ever Living, the Eternal
the Elevated, the Mighty
the Creator, the Sustainer
the One who gives life
and the One who causes to die
the Beginner, the Unique

For You is nobility
and for You is generosity
and for You is grace
and for You is the command

You are One
there is no partner for You
 
يَا خَالِقُ يَا رَازِقُ
يَا مُحْيِي يَا مُمِيْتُ
يَا بَدِيْعُ يَا رَفِيْعُ
اَسْأَلُكَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
وَ اَنْ تَرْحَمَ ذُلِّ بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ
وَ تَضَرُّعِي اِلَيْكَ
وَحْشَتِي مِنَ النَّاسِ
وَ اُنْسِي بِكَ
O Creator, O Sustainer
O the One who gives life
and the One who causes to die
O the Unique, the Sublime
I ask you to bless Muhammad and his family
and to have mercy on my lowliness
before You
and my beseeching You
and my loneliness from people
and my intimacy with You
Du’a after Salat al-Shaf’a
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
اِلهِي تَعَرَّضَ لَكَ فِي هذَا اللَّيْلِ الْمُتَعَرِّضُوْنَ
وَ قَصَدَكَ فِيْهِ الْقَاصِدُوْنَ
وَ اَمَّلَ فَضْلَكَ وَ مَعْرُوْفَكَ الطَّالِبُوْنَ
وَ لَكَ فِي هذَا اللَّيْلِ نَفَحَاتٌ
وَ جَوَائِزُ وَ عَطَايَا وَ مَوَاهِبُ
تَمُنُّ بِهَا عَلى مَنْ تَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ
وَ تَمْنَعُهَا مَنْ لَمْ تَسْبِقُ لَهُ الْعِنَايَةُ مِنْكَ
 
English translation of Du’a after Salat al-Shaf’a
In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family

O Allah, on this night
the seekers have sought You
and the aspirers have aspired for You
and the searchers have hoped
for Your blessings and grace

For You have in this night, hidden bounties
and rewards and presents and gifts
which You bestow upon whom you please
from Your servants
and You deny them to one who has not reached Your regard
 
وَ هَا اَنَا ذَا عُبَيْدُكَ الْفَقِيْرُ اِلَيْكَ
اَلْمُؤَمِّلُ فَضْلَكَ وَ مَعْرُوْفَكَ
فَاِنْ كُنْتَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ تَفَضَّلْتَ فِي هذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ
عَلى اَحَدٍ مِنْ خَلْقِكَ
وَ عُدْتَ عَلَيْهِ بِعَائِدَةٍ مِنْ عَطْفِكَ
فَصَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
اَلطَّيِّبِيْنَ الطَّاهِرِيْنَ
اَلْخَيِّرِيْنَ اَلْفَاضِلِيْنَ
وَ جُدْ عَلَيَّ بِطَوْلِكَ وَ مَعْرُوْفِكَ
يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ
Here I am,
Your abject servant
in need of You
hopeful of Your blessings and grace
So, O my Master
if You have bestowed blessings
on this night
on anyone of Your creatures
and turned to him with affection
then bless Muhammad and his family
the pure, the purified,
the virtuous ones
the excellent ones
and favor me with Your grace and bounty
O Lord of the worlds
وَ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ
خَاتَمِ النَّبِيِّيْنَ
وَ آلِهِ الطَّاهِرِيْنَ وَ سَلَّمَ تَسْلِيْمًا
اِنَّ اللّهَ حَمِيْدٌ مَجِيْدٌ
اَللّهُمَّ اِنِّي اَدْعُوْكَ كَمَا اَمَرْتَ
فَاسْتَجِبْ لِي كَمَا وَعَدْتَ
اِنَّكَ لاَ تُخْلِفُ الْمِيْعَادَ
And send blessings on Muhammad
the seal of the Prophets
and his family, the Purified
and salute them with
a perfect salutation
Surely Allah is praiseworthy, Glorious
O Allah I have supplicated to You
as You have commanded
then answer me as You have promised
Surely You do not break Your promises.
 
Du’a after Salatul Witr
This du’a is called Du’a al-Hazeen, the sorrowful du’a. It should be recited softly and sorrowfully .
 
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
اُنَاجِيْكَ يَا مَوْجُوْدًا فِي كُلِّ مَكَانٍ
لَعَلَّكَ تَسْمَعُ نِدَائِي
فَقَدْ عَظُمَ جُرْمِي وَ قَلَّ حَيَائِي
مَوْلاَيَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ
اَيُّ اْلاَهْوَالِ اَتَذَكَّرُ وَ اَيُّهَا اَنْسى
وَ لَوْ لَمْ يَكُنْ اِلاَّ الْمَوْتُ لَكَفى
كَيْفَ وَ مَا بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ اَعْظَمُ وَ اَدْهى
 
English translation of Du’a after Salatul Witr
In the name of Allah, The Beneficent, the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family
I whisper unto You
O one who is present in every place
so that You may hear my call
for surely my sin is excessive
and my shame is less
My Master, O my Master
which of the terrifying states shall I remember
and which of them shall I forget
for if there was nothing except death
it would be enough
then what about after death
greater and much worse?
 
مَوْلاَيَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ حَتَّى مَتى وَ اِلى مَتى
اَقُوْلُ لَكَ الْعُتْبى مَرَّةً بَعْدَ اُخْرى
ثُمَّ لاَ تَجِدُ عِنْدِي صِدْقًا وَ لاَ وَفَاءً
فَيَا غَوْثَاهُ ثُمَّ وَا غَوْثَاهُ بِكَ يَا اَللّهُ
مِنْ هَوىً قَدْ غَلَبَنِي
وَ مِنْ عَدُوٍّ قَدِ اسْتَكْلَبَ عَلَيَّ
وَ مِنْ دُنْياً قَدْ تَزَيَّنَتْ لِي
وَ مِنْ نَفْسٍ اَمَّارَةٍ بِالسُّوْءِ اِلاَّ مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّي
مَوْلاَيَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ
اِنْ كُنْتَ رَحِمْتَ مِثْلِي فَارْحَمْنِي
My master O my Master
up to when and till when
will I say, I am to blame,
again and again,
but then You do not find any truth or loyalty in me?
I call for help
and I call for help, O Allah
from desires which have overpowered me
and from the enemy which has pounced on me
and from the world which attracts me
and from the soul that leads towards evil except that on which my Lord has mercy (12:53)
My master O my master
if You have had mercy on the likes of me
then have mercy on me
وَ اِنْ كُنْتَ قَبِلْتَ مِثْلِي فَاقْبَلْنِي
يَا قَابِلَ السَّحَرَةِ اقْبَلْنِي
يَا مَنْ لَمْ اَزَلْ اَتَعَرَّفُ مِنْهُ الْحُسْنى
يَا مَنْ يُغَذِّيْنِي بِالنِّعَمِ صَبَاحًا وَ مَسَاءً
اِرْحَمْنِي يَوْمَ آتِيْكَ فَرْدًا
شَاخِصًا اِلَيْكَ بَصَرِي مُقَلَّدًا عَمَلِي
قَدْ تَبَرَّأَ جَمِيْعُ الْخَلْقِ مِنِّي
نَعَمْ وَ اَبِي وَ اُمِّي وَ مَنْ كَانَ لَهُ كَدِّي وَ سَعْيِي
فَاِنْ لَمْ تَرْحَمْنِي فَمَنْ يَرْحَمُنِي
وَ مَنْ يُؤْنِسُ فِي الْقَبْرِ وَحْشَتِي
and if You have accepted from the likes of me
then accept from me
O One who accepts the early morning prayer
accept me,
O One who, I still know only good from Him
O One who nourishes me with blessings
morning and evening
have mercy on me when I come to You
alone,
my glance fixed on You
my actions carried on my neck
When all of creation
will withdraw away from me
yes, even my father and mother
and those for whom I worked and struggled
then if You will not have mercy on me
who will have mercy on me
who will give me solace
from the loneliness of the grave
وَ مَنْ يُنْطِقُ لِسَانِي اِذَا خَلَوْتُ بِعَمَلِي
وَ سَأَلْتَنِي عَمَّا اَنْتَ اَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي
فَاِنْ قُلْتُ نَعَمْ فَاَيْنَ الْمَهْرَبُ مِنْ عَدْلِكَ
وَ اِنْ قُلْتُ لَمْ اَفْعَلْ
قُلْتَ اَلَمْ اَكُنِ الشَّاهِدَ عَلَيْكَ
فَعَفْوُكَ عَفْوُكَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ قَبْلَ سَرَابِيْلِ الْقَطِرَانَ
عَفْوُكَ عَفْوُكَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ قَبْلَ جَهَنَّمَ وَ النِّيْرَان
عَفْوُكَ عَفْوُكَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ
قَبْلَ اَنْ تُغَلَّ الاَيْدِي اِلى الاَعْنَاقِ
يَا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ وَ خَيْرَ الْغَافِرِيْنَ
and who will make me speak
when I am alone with my deeds
and when You will ask me
about what You know better than me?
Then if I say yes (to my sins)
where will be the escape from Your Justice?
And if I say I did not commit it
You will say was I not a witness over you?
So (I beseech) Your Forgiveness
Your Pardon
O my master
before the wearing of the clothes of Hell
Your Forgiveness Your Pardon O my Master
before the Hell and the Fire
Your Forgiveness Your Forgiveness
O my Master
before the hands are tied to the necks
O the most Merciful
and the best of Forgivers
 
Du’a before Salatul Layl
This is a beautiful du’a which Imam Zaynul ‘Abidin (a) used to recite before he began Salatul Layl.
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
اِلهِي غَارَتْ نُجُوْمُ سَمَائِكَ
وَ نَامَتْ عُيُوْنُ اَنَامِكَ
وَ هَدَاَتْ اَصْوَاتُ عِبَادِكَ وَ اَنْعَامِكَ
وَ غَلَّقَتِ الْمُلُوْكُ عَلَيْهَا اَبْوَابَهَا
وَ طَافَ عَلَيْهَا حُرَّاسُهَا
وَ احْتَجَبُوا عَمَّنْ يَسْئَلُهُمْ حَاجَةً
 
English translation of Du’a before Salatul Layl
In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family
My God, the stars of Your sky have sunk
and the eyes of Your people are sleeping
and the voices of Your servants
and Your animals
have become silent
and the kings have locked their doors
and its guards are moving around it
and they are covered
from he who wishes to ask them for a need
 
اَوْ يَنْتَجِعُ مِنْهُمْ فَائِدَةً
وَ اَنْتَ اِلهِي حَيٌّ قَيُّوْمٌ
لاَ تَاْخُذُكَ سِنَةٌ وَ لاَ نَوْمٌ
وَ لاَ يَشْغَلُكَ شَيْئٌ عَنْ شَيْئٍ
اَبْوَابُ سَمَائِكَ لِمَنْ دَعَاكَ مُفَتَّحَاتٌ
وَ خَزَائِنُكَ غَيْرُ مُغَلَّقَاتٍ
وَ اَبْوَابُ رَحْمَتِكَ غَيْرُ مَحْجُوْبَاتٍ
وَ فَوَائِدُكَ لِمَنْ سَأَلَكَ غَيْرُ مَحْظُوْرَاتٍ
بَلْ هِيَ مَبْذُوْلاَتٌ
اَنْتَ اِلهِي اَلْكَرِيْمُ
or to get a benefit from them
But You my God, are Ever Living, Subsistent, slumber or sleep does not overtake you (2:255)
and one thing does not occupy You from another
the doors of Your sky are open
for he who asks You
and Your treasures are never locked
and the doors of Your mercy are never covered
and Your benefits are never forbidden
for he who asks You
rather they are given generously
You are my God, the Generous
الَّذِي لاَ تَرُدُّ سَائِلاً مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ سَأَلَكَ
وَ لاَ تَحْتَجِبُ عَنْ اَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ اَرَادَكَ
لاَ وَ عِزَّتِكَ وَ جَلاَلِكَ وَ لاَ تُخْتَزَلُ حَوَائِجَهُمْ دُوْنَكَ وَ لاَ يَقْضِيْهَا اَحَدٌ غَيْرُكَ
اَللّهُمَّ وَ قَدْ تَرَانِي وَ وُقُوْفِي
وَ ذُلَّ مَقَامِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ وَ تَعْلَمُ سَرِيْرَتِي
وَ تَطَّلِعُ عَلى مَا فِي قَلْبِي
وَ مَا يَصْلِحُ بِهِ اَمْرُ آخِرَتِي وَ دُنْيَايَ
اَللّهُمَّ اِنَّ ذِكْرَ الْمَوْتِ وَ اَهْوَالِ الْمُطَّلِعِ
وَالْوُقُوْفَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ
who does not turn away a beseecher
who asks from You
and You do not conceal Yourself
from anyone of the believers
who intends You
No, by Your Honor and Your Majesty
no one removes their needs
other than You
and no one fulfills their needs apart from You
O Allah You see me,
and my standing (before You)
and my humble position in front of You
and You know my secrets
and are aware of what is in my heart
and of what will improve my affairs
of the Hereafter and the world
O Allah, the remembrance of death
and the frightening conditions of the observer
and standing before You
نَغَّصَنِي مَطْعَمِي وَ مَشْرَبِي
وَ اَغَصَّنِي بِرِيْقِي اَقْلَقَنِي عَنْ وِسَادِي
وَ مَنَعَنِي رُقَادِي
كَيْفَ يَنَامُ مَنْ يَخَافُ مَلَكَ الْمَوْتِ
فِي طَوَارِقِ اللَّيْلِ وَ طَوَارِقِ النَّهَارِ
بَلْ كَيْفَ يَنَامُ الْعَاقِلُ وَ مَلَكُ الْمَوْتِ لاَ يَنَامُ
لاَ بِاللَّيْلِ وَ لاَ بِالنَّهَارِ وَ يَطْلُبُ رُوْحَهُ بِالْبَيَاتِ
وَ فِي آنَاءِ السَّاعَاتِ
اَسْأََلُكَ الرَّوْحَ وَ الرَّاحَةَ عِنْدَ الْمَوْتِ
وَ الْعَفْوَ عَنِّي حِيْنَ اَلْقَاكَ
makes me stay away
from my food and drink
and makes me choke
keeps me away from my pillow
and prevents me from sleeping
How can one sleep
who fears the angel of death?
in the calamities of the night
and the calamities of the day
rather how can an intelligent person sleep
while the angel of death does not sleep
neither at night nor in the day
and seeks his soul in the state of sleep
and in the middle of the hours
I beseech You to give me ease and comfort
at the time of death
and forgiveness when I meet You
 
Du’a for Qunut of Salatul Layl
It is recommended to lengthen the Qunut in the 8 raka’ats of salatul Layl, whenever possible. The following Du’a for Qunut in Salatul Layl is by Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a). It is allowed to use a book in qunut of mustahab prayers.
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
اِلهِي كَيْفَ اَدْعُوْكَ وَ قَدْ عَصَيْتُكَ
وَ كَيْفَ لاَ اَدْعُوْكَ وَ قَدْ عَرَفْتُ حُبَّكَ فِي قَلْبِي
وَ اِنْ كُنْتُ عَاصِيًا
مَدَدْتُ اِلَيْكَ يَدًا بِالذُّنُوْبِ مَمْلُوْءَةً
وَ عَيْنًا بِالرَّجَاءِ مَمْدُوْدَةً
 
English translation of Du’a for Qunut of Salatul Layl
In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family
My God, how can I beseech You
when I have disobeyed You
and how can I not beseech You
when I have known Your love in my heart
As I am a sinner
I have stretched my hand to You, full of sins,
and my eyes with stretched out hope
 
مَوْلاَيَ اَنْتَ عَظِيْمُ الْعُظَمَاءِ وَ اَنَا اَسِيْرُ الاُسَرَاءِ
اَنَا الاَسِيْرُ بِذَنْبِي اَلْمُرْتَهَنُ بِجُرْمِي
اِلهِي لَئِنْ طَالَبْتَنِي بِذَنْبِي لاُطَالِبَنَّكَ بِكَرَمِكَ
وَ لَئِنْ طَالَبْتَنِي بِجَرِيْرَتِي لاُطَالِبَنَّكَ بِعَفْوِكَ
وَ لَئِنْ اَمَرْتَ بِي اِلىٰ النَّارِ لاُخْبِرَنَّ اَهْلَهَا
اَنِّي كُنْتُ اَقُوْلُ
لاَ اِلهَ اِلاَّ اللّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُوْلُ اللّهِ
اَللّهُمَّ اِنَّ الطَّاعَةَ تَسُرُّكَ وَ الْمَعْصِيَةَ لاَ تَضُرُّكَ
فَهَبْ لِي مَا يَسُرُّكَ وَ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا لاَ يَضُرُّكَ
يَا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ
My Master, You are the Greatest of the Great
and I am the most wretched of prisoners
I am a prisoner of my sins
a mortgagee of my crimes
My God if You seek me out for my sins
I will seek You out for Your generosity
and if You seek me for my crimes
I will seek You for Your pardon
and if You command me to the Fire
I will inform the people of the Fire
that I used to say there is no god but Allah (47:19)
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (49:29)
O Allah obedience pleases You
and disobedience does not harm You
so grant me what pleases You
and forgive me what does not harm You
O most Merciful
 
Du’a after every 2 raka’ats of Nafilah of Layl
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
اَللّهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْئَلُكَ وَ لَمْ يُسْئَلْ مِثْلُكَ
اَنْتَ مَوْضِعُ مَسْئَلَةِ السَّائِلِيْنَ
وَ مُنْتَهى رَغْبَةِ الرَّاغِبِيْنَ
اَدْعُوْكَ وَلَمْ يُدْعَ مِثْلُكَ
وَ اَرْغَبُ اِلَيْكَ وَ لَمْ يُرْغَبْ اِلى مِثْلِكَ
اَنْتَ مُجِيْبُ دَعْوَةِ الْمُضْطَرِّيْنَ
وَ اَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ
اَسْأَلُكَ بِاَفْضَلِ الْمَسَائِلِ وَ اَنْجَحِهَا وَ اَعْظَمِهَا
 
English translation of Du’a after every 2 raka’ats of Nafilah of Layl
In the name of Allah
the Beneficent, the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family

O Allah I ask from You
and there is none like You who is asked
You are the Object of the seeking of the seekers
and the ultimate aim of the desire of the desirers

I call to You
for there is none like You who is called
and I wish from You
for there is none like You who is wished from
You are the One who answers the call of the distressed, and the most Merciful
I ask You,
by the best of requests
and the most successful of them
and the most mighty of them
 
يَا اَللّهُ يَا رَحْمٰنُ يَا رَحِيْمُ
وَ بِاَسْمَائِكَ الْحُسْنى
وَ اَمْثَالِكَ الْعُلْيَا وَ نِعْمَتِكَ الَّتِي لاَ تُحْصى
وَ بِاَكْرَمِ اَسْمَائِكَ وَ اَحَبِّهَا اِلَيْكَ
وَ اَقْرَبِهَا مِنْكَ وَسِيْلَةً
وَ اَشْرَفِهَا عِنْدَكَ مَنْزِلَةً
وَ اَجْزَلِهَا لَدَيْكَ ثَوَابًا
وَ اَسْرَعِهَا فِي الاُمُوْرِ اِجَابَةً
وَ بِاسْمِكَ الْمَكْنُوْنِ الاَكْبَرِ الاَعَزِّ الاَجَلِّ الاَعْظَمِ الاَكْرَمِ الَّذِي تُحِبُّهُ وَ تَهْوَاهُ وَ تَرْضَى بِهِ عَمَّنْ دَعَاكَ
O Allah O Beneficent O Merciful
by Your beautiful names
and Your elevated examples
and Your favors which cannot be counted
and by the most noble of Your names
and the ones You love most
and the ones closest to You in means
and the one most honored with You in status
and most plentiful with You in reward
and ones fastest in getting an answer in the matters
and by Your hidden name
the Greatest, the most Honorable
the most Glorious
the Mighty, the Generous
the one which You like
and the one You want
and the one that makes You pleased
with the one who calls You
فَاسْتَجَبْتَ لَهُ دُعَائَهُ
وَ حَقٌّ عَلَيْكَ اَنْ لاَ تَحْرِمَ سَائِلَكَ وَ لاَ تَرُدَّهُ
وَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ فِي التَّوْرَاتِ وَ الاِنْجِيْلِ
وَ الزَّبُوْرِ وَ الْفُرْقَانِ الْعَظِيْمِ
وَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ دَعَاكَ بِهِ حَمَلَةُ عَرْشِكَ وَ مَلاَئِكَتُكَ
وَ اَنْبِيَاؤُكَ وَ رُسُلُكَ وَ اَهْلُ طَاعَتِكَ مِنْ خَلْقِكَ
اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
وَ اَنْ تُعَجِّلَ فَرَجَ وَلِيِّكَ وَ تُعَجِّلَ خِزْيَ اَعْدَائِهِ
وَ اَنْ تَفْعَلَ بِي . . . (حَاجَات)
so You answer his prayer
and it is right that You do not deny
the one who asks from you
and do not reject him
and by every name that is with You
in Tawrat and Injil
and Zabur
and the Noble Qur’an
and by every name that
the carriers of Your throne
and the angels
and Your Prophets
and Your Messengers
and the obedient ones from Your creation
have called You with
(I ask) that You bless Muhammad and his family
and that You hasten the appearance of your vicegerent (Wali)
and that You hasten the humiliation of his enemies
and that you do for me…. (ask for your needs)
 
Du’a for Qunut of Salatul Witr
The Qunut of Salatul Witr should be recited slowly and with a lot of sadness due to one’s sins. The following du’a was recited by Imam al-Baqir (a) at the beginning of this Qunut.
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
لآ اِلَهَ اِلاَّ اللّهُ الْحَلِيْمُ الْكَرِيْمُ
لآ اِلَهَ اِلاَّ اللّهُ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيْمُ
سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ رَبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ
وَ رَبِّ الاَرْضِيْنَ السَّبْعِ
وَ مَا فِيْهِنَّ وَ مَا بَيْنَهُنَّ
وَ مَا فَوْقَهُنَّ وَ مَا تَحْتَهُنَّ
وَ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمِ
 
English translation of Du’a for Qunut of Salatul Witr
In the name of Allah
the Beneficent, the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family
There is no god but Allah
the Forbearing the Noble
There is no god but Allah
the High, the Mighty
Glory be to the Lord of the seven heavens
and the Lord of the seven earths
and what is in them
and what is between them
and what is above them
and what is under them

Lord of the Mighty throne
اَللّهُمَّ اَنْتَ اللّهُ نُوْرُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ الاَرْضِ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ زَيْنُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ الاَرْضِ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ جَمَالُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ الاَرْضِ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ عِمَادُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ الاَرْضِ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ قِوَامُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ الاَرْضِ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ صَرِيْخُ الْمُسْتَصْرِخِيْنَ
وَ اَنْتُ اللّهُ غِيَاثُ الْمُسْتَغِيْثِيْنَ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ الْمُفَرِّجُ عَنِ الْمَكْرُوْبِيْنَ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ الْمُرَوِّحُ عَنِ الْمَغْمُوْمِيْنَ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ مُجِيْبُ دَعْوَةِ الْمُضْطَرِّيْنَ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ اِلَهُ الْعَالَمِيْنَ
وَ اَنْتَ اللّهُ الرَّحْمنُ الرَّحِيْمُ
O Allah
You are Allah
the Light of the heavens and the earth
You are Allah
the Ornament of the heavens and the earth
You are Allah
the Beauty of the heavens and the earth
You are Allah
the Pillar of the heavens and the earth
You are Allah
the Support of the heavens and the earth
You are Allah
the Object of those who call out for help
You are Allah
the Helper of those who seek help
You are Allah, the Reliever of those in distress
You are Allah
the one who gives happiness to the grieved
You are Allah, the one who answers the call of the distressed
You are Allah, God of the worlds
You are Allah, the most merciful
Du’a at the end of Qunut of Salatul Witr
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
سَيِّدِي سَيِّدِي
هٰذِهِ يَدَايَ قَدْ مَدَدْتُهُمَا اِلَيْكَ
بِالذُّنُوْبِ مَمْلُوءَةً
وَ عَيْنَايَ بِالرَّجَاءِ مَمْدُوْدَةً
وَحَقٌّ بِمَنْ دَعَاكَ بِالنَّدَمِ تَذَلُّلاً
اَنْ تُجِيْبَهُ بِالْكَرَمِ تَفَضُّلاً
 
English translation of Du’a at the end of Qunut of Salatul Witr
In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful

O Allah bless Muhammad and his family
My Master
My Master
I have stretched out these hands to You
full of sins
and my eyes
stretched out with hope
and it is the right of the one who calls You
with regret and humility
that You answer him
with Generosity and Grace
 
سَيِّدِي اَمِنْ اَهْلِ الشَّقَاءِ خَلَقْتَنِي
فَاَطِيْلُ بُكَائِي
اَمْ مِنْ اَهْلِ السَّعَادَةِ خَلَقْتَنِي
فَاُبَشِّرُ رَجَائِي
سَيِّدِي لَوْ اَنَّ عَبْدًا اِسْتَطَاعَ الْهَرَبَ
مِنْ مَوْلاَهُ
لَكُنْتُ اَوَّلَ الْهَارِبِيْنَ مِنْكَ
لكِنِّي اَعْلَمُ اَنِّي لاَ اَفُوْتُكَ
اِلهِي وَ سَيِّدِي
اِرْحَمْنِي مَصْرُوْعًا عَلى الْفِرَاشِ
تُقَلِّبُنِي اَيْدِي اَحِبَّتِي
My master
have You created me from the unfortunate ones
so I should lengthen my weeping?
or have You created me from the fortunate ones
so I should give glad tidings to my hopes?
My master, if a servant was able to escape
from his Master
then I would be the first of those who escape
from You
but I know that I cannot escape You
My God and my master
have mercy on me
when I am lying on my bed [dead]
and the hands of my loved ones turn me
وَ ارْحَمْنِي مَطْرُوْحًا عَلى الْمُغْتَسَلِ
يُغَسِّلُنِي صَالِحُ جِيْرَتِي
وَ ارْحَمْنِي مَحْمُوْلاً
قَدْ تَنَاوَلَ الاَقْرِبَاءُ اَطْرَافَ جَنَازَتِي
وَ ارْحَمْ فِي ذٰلِكَ الْبَيْتِ الْمُظْلِمِ
وَحْشَتِي وَ غُرْبَتِي وَ وَحْدَتِي
have mercy on me
when I am placed on the place of ghusl (washing)
and the virtuous near ones wash me
have mercy on me
when I am being carried
and my relatives have surrounded my coffin
have mercy on me
in that dark house
on my fear, my separation, and my loneliness.
 
Du’a after rising from ruku’ of Salatul Witr
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
هذَا مَقَامُ مَنْ حَسَنَاتُهُ نِعْمَةٌ مِنْكَ
وَ شُكْرُهُ ضَعِيْفٌ وَ ذَنْبُهُ عَظِيْمٌ
وَ لَيْسَ لِذٰلِكَ اِلاَّ رِفْقُكَ وَ رَحْمَتُكَ
فَاِنَّكَ قُلْتَ فِي كِتَابِكَ الْمُنْزَلِ
عَلى نَبِيِّكَ الْمُرْسَلِ
صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ
 
English translation of Du’a after rising from ruku’ of Salatul Witr
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O Allah bless Muhammad and his family
This is the position of one whose good deeds
are (on account) of Your favors
his gratitude is deficient
and his sins are mighty
and there is nothing for him except Your kindness and mercy
for Surely You have said in Your Book
revealed to Your sent Prophet
blessing of Allah be on him and his family
 
كَانُوا قَلِيْلاً مِنَ الَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُوْنَ
وَ بِالاَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُوْنَ
طَالَ هُجُوْعِي
وَ قَلَّ قِيَامِي وَ هذَا السَّحْرُ
وَ اَنَا اَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِذُنُوْبِي
اِسْتِغْفَارَ مَنْ لاَ يَجِدُ لِنَفْسِهِ
ضَرًّا وَ لاَ نَفْعًا
وَ لاَ مَوْتًا وَ لاَ حَياةً
وَ لاَ نُشُوْرًا
they slept little of the night and sought forgiveness at dawn (51:17-18)
my sleep has lengthened
and my rising is less
this dawn
I seek Your forgiveness for my sins
a seeking of forgiveness of one
who does not find for himself any
harm, or benefit, or death, or life, or rising [except from You]
 

1. The Holy Qur’an. Translation by M.H. Shakir. WOFIS, Tehran n.d.

2. Mafatihul Jinan, Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi

3. Miftahul Falah, Shaykh al-Bahai. Darul Adhwa’, Beirut, 1985.

4. Khulasatul Adhkar, al-Faydh al-Kashani. Darul Murtadha, Beirut, 2001.