Rabbana Atmim Lana Nurana

Verse 8 of Surah At-Tahrim in the Noble Qur'an describes the state of the believers on the Day of Resurrection: "On that Day the hypocrite men and the hypocrite women will say to those who believed, 'Look at us, that we may take a portion of your light.'" They will be told, 'Go back behind you and seek a light.' A wall with a gate will be placed between them; inside it is mercy, and outside it is punishment" (Al-Hadid 13).

The believers, walking with their light, make this dua: "Rabbanā atmim lanā nūranā wa-ghfir lanā" (Our Lord! Perfect our light for us, and forgive us). The hypocrites, meanwhile, will say, "Rabbanā admir lanā" (Our Lord! Remove our darkness) (Al-Hadid 13).

This is a deeply meaningful dua that can be recited both in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. The request "Perfect our light" expresses the increase of the light of faith, deliverance from the darknesses, and steadfastness upon guidance. Faith is a light; one must pray that this light increases, is completed and never goes out.

This dua may also be recited after the recitation of the Qur'an, for the Qur'an too is a light (An-Nisa 174). It is recommended to recite this short but profound dua often, for every increase of light and for every request for forgiveness.