What is the dua for entering the mosque?
The dua for entering the mosque is "Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik" (O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy). The Prophet ﷺ taught it, along with a short leaving dua. You can also add a greeting of peace on the Prophet ﷺ and a prayer for protection from Shaytan.
The main dua
The Prophet ﷺ said: "When one of you enters the mosque, let him say: Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik. And when he leaves, let him say: Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik" (Sahih Muslim 713).
- Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
- Say it: Allahumma-ftah li abwaba rahmatik
- Meaning: "O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy."
It's a short dua, so you can learn it in a day. Saying it in English with sincere meaning is fine while you learn. See Can I make dua in English?
Optional additions
Another narration tells us to send peace on the Prophet ﷺ first and then say the dua (Sunan Abi Dawud 465). A common way to do it is Bismillah, was-salatu was-salamu 'ala Rasulillah (In the name of Allah, and blessings and peace be on the Messenger of Allah). See How do I send salawat on the Prophet?
The Prophet ﷺ also used to say on entering: A'udhu billahil-'azim, wa bi wajhihil-karim, wa sultanihil-qadim, minash-shaytanir-rajim (I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty, in His noble Face and His eternal authority, from Shaytan the outcast), and he said that whoever says it is protected from Shaytan for the rest of the day (Sunan Abi Dawud 466).
The dua for leaving
On the way out, say Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik: "O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty." Mercy is asked for on the way in, where you worship, and bounty (provision) on the way out, where you go back to work and daily life.
What to do after entering
Step in with your right foot, find a spot, and if you have time before sitting down, pray two short rak'ahs to greet the mosque. See What is tahiyyat al-masjid?
- Entering: "Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik."
- Leaving: "Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik."
- You can add salawat and the prayer for protection from Shaytan.
- These duas are sunnah, not a condition for entering.
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