The Rabbi Inni Zalamtu Nafsi Faghfirli dua is a well-known supplication mentioned in the Quran, specifically in Surah Qasas Ayah 16. It was one of the duas recited by Prophet Musa (AS) when seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
Background of the Rabbi Inni Zalamtu Nafsi Faghfirli Dua
Before Prophet Musa (AS) received revelation on the mountain, he had been adopted by Pharaoh. One day, as he traveled through the city, he came across two men engaged in a scuffle. The Quran describes this incident in Ayah 15:
“And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, “This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.”
Musa (AS) was unaware of his own strength when he struck the man, inadvertently killing him. Immediately afterward, he realized that Satan had influenced him and became conscious of the mistake he had committed. It was at this moment that he sought Allah’s (subhanahu wa ta’ala) forgiveness and recited the Rabbi Inni Zalamtu Nafsi dua.
Rabbi Inni Zalamtu Nafsi in Arabic Text
The Arabic text of this dua is as follows:
رَبِّ إِنِّى ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِى فَٱغْفِرْ لِى فَغَفَرَ لَهُۥٓ
Transliteration
Rabbi inni zalamtu nafsi faghfirli faghafaralah
Translation of Rabbi Inni Zalamtu Nafsi Faghfirli
The translation of this dua is: “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me.” The ayah continues by stating that Allah forgave him, for He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
From an Islamic and spiritual perspective, any sin committed accidentally can be forgiven. This was the case for Musa (AS), who had killed a person—an act that, under judicial standards, carries severe punishment. Yet, Prophet Musa (AS) acknowledged his sin fully and took responsibility for it. In essence, he pleaded, “Forgive this sin of mine,” even though he had not committed it intentionally.
How often do we see people deflect full responsibility for their actions, even after hours of reflection? As time passes, they make excuses and rationalize their behavior to claim innocence. Admitting one’s shortcomings is difficult; it is painful, and some lack the fortitude to do so. But Prophet Musa (AS) did not hesitate: immediately after committing the sin, he acknowledged his mistake.
The past cannot be changed. All we can do is do what is right moving forward—and that begins with seeking Allah’s forgiveness, as Musa (AS) did.
Lessons from This Dua
This story and dua reveal a profound truth: no matter what wrongs we have committed in the past, there is hope for us. We must not be overly harsh on ourselves. Instead, we need to recognize that redemption is possible if we resolve to change our ways. This journey of change starts with accepting responsibility for our actions, striving to improve, and seeking Allah’s mercy.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this story—we are eager to hear others’ perspectives.
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