Dua for Entering the Mosque

Seeking Allah's mercy when entering His house

اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allahumma-ftah li abwaba rahmatika.
"O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me."

Meaning & Context

This supplication is made when entering a mosque, the house of Allah. A mosque is a place of worship, prayer, and seeking closeness to Allah. Therefore, it is fitting to ask Allah to open the gates of His Mercy (Rahmah) upon oneself. Mercy in this context includes guidance, forgiveness, the ability to perform acts of worship with sincerity, and to benefit from the sacred space. It is also Sunnah to enter the mosque with the right foot first.

Benefits of Reciting this Dua

  • It is a direct request for Allah's mercy, which is the key to all goodness.
  • Follows the etiquette taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) when visiting the house of Allah.
  • Sets a humble and sincere intention for one's time in the mosque.
  • Turns the simple act of entering a building into a conscious act of worship.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a sunnah to enter the mosque with your right foot first, as the right side is preferred for good and noble actions in Islam.

Yes, a longer version includes sending blessings on the Prophet (ﷺ) before making the request: 'Bismillahi was-salatu was-salamu 'ala rasulillah, Allahumma-ftah li abwaba rahmatik.'

Quick Quiz

Question: When entering the mosque, we ask Allah to open the gates of His...?