Allāhumma innī ẓalamtu nafsī — Dua of Repentance and Forgiveness

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to recite this dua in the salah (prayer) between the bowing and the prostration: "O Allah! I have wronged myself greatly. There is none who forgives sins but You. Forgive me with a forgiveness from Yourself and have mercy on me" (Sahih al-Bukhari, Adhan 149/834; Sahih Muslim, Dhikr 48/2704).

This dua resembles the dua of repentance of Musa (peace be upon him): "Rabbi innī ẓalamtu nafsī fa-ghfir lī" (al-Qasas 16). In the Prophet's dua, however, there is the addition "ẓulman kathīran" (I have wronged myself greatly). This is the finest expression of the consciousness of servanthood and of the confession of sin.

"Wa lā yaghfiru dh-dhunūba illā ant" (There is none who forgives sins but You) is a statement of tawhid. The only one who forgives is Allah. Neither the prophets, nor the angels, nor the friends of Allah can forgive sins. One must acknowledge this truth and turn directly to Allah.

The words "maghfiratan min ʿindika" (with a forgiveness from Yourself) are a request for the special forgiveness that is with Allah. A person cannot earn forgiveness by his own deeds; he is forgiven only by Allah's grace and generosity.

Reciting this dua in the bowing, in the prostration, at the end of the prayers, and at every moment of seeking forgiveness is a highly meritorious act of worship.