What Is Istighfar and Why Is It So Powerful?
Istighfar (استغفار) means seeking forgiveness from Allah. It is not just about repeating Astaghfirullah on the tongue—it’s about turning to Allah with a heart full of remorse and hope in His Mercy.
“And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
— Surah An-Nisa (4:110)
Even the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who was free from sin, sought forgiveness more than 70 times a day!
“By Allah, I seek the forgiveness of Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.”
— Sahih Bukhari 6307
🌿 6 Powerful Ways to Say “Astaghfirullah” (Istighfar) from the Sunnah
Here are six authentic and beautiful ways to seek forgiveness in Islam:
1️⃣ أَسْتَغْفِرُ الله – Astaghfirullah
Transliteration: Astaghfirullah
Meaning: “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”
Source: [Sahih Muslim]
This is the shortest and most common form of istighfar—perfect for frequent recitation during the day.
2️⃣ أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
Transliteration: Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh
Meaning: “I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance.”
Source: [Sahih Muslim]
This phrase was used by the Prophet ﷺ frequently. It combines forgiveness and sincere repentance (tawbah).
3️⃣ أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هو الحي القيوم وأتوب إليه
Transliteration:
Astaghfirullaha alladhi la ilaha illa huwa al-hayyul qayyum wa atubu ilayh
Meaning:
“I seek the forgiveness of Allah, whom there is none worthy of worship but Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting, and I turn to Him in repentance.”
Source: [Al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud]
Reciting this with sincerity is a powerful shield against Hellfire.
4️⃣ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَتُبْ عَلَيَّ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الغَفُورُ
Transliteration:
Rabbigh-firlee wa tub ‘alayya innaka anta-ttawwaabul-ghafoor
Meaning:
“My Lord, forgive me and pardon me. Indeed, You are the Oft-Returning with compassion and Ever Merciful.”
Source: [Al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud]
A beautiful way to show both humility and hope in Allah’s mercy.
5️⃣ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا…
Full Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
Meaning:
“O Allah, I have greatly wronged myself, and no one forgives sins but You. So, grant me forgiveness and have mercy on me. Surely, You are Forgiving, Merciful.”
Source: [Al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud]
A deep and humbling dua for major or repetitive sins.
6️⃣ Sayyidul Istighfar – The Master of Istighfar
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنا عَبْدُكَ…
(Complete dua from Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Transliteration:
Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana ‘abduka…
Meaning:
“O Allah, You are my Lord, there is none worthy of worship but You. You created me and I am Your servant… Forgive me, for none forgives sins but You.”
Source: [Sahih Bukhari]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever says this during the day with firm belief in it and dies on the same day before evening, will be among the people of Paradise.”
— Sahih Bukhari 6306
📖 Quranic Evidence for Seeking Forgiveness
“So say, ‘Astaghfiru Rabbakum (Seek forgiveness from your Lord). Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.’”
— Surah Nuh (71:10)
“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.”
— Surah Aal-Imran (3:133)
✨ Benefits of Regular Istighfar
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Erases sins
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Brings rain and blessings (rizq)
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Calms the heart
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Prevents hardships
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Opens doors to mercy
“And Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.”
— Surah Al-Anfal (8:33)
🛑 Don’t Let Shaytan Stop You
Even if you’ve sinned again and again, don’t give up. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If you were not to sin, Allah would replace you with a people who would sin and then seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would forgive them.”
— Sahih Muslim 2749
✅ Final Thoughts: Make Istighfar a Daily Habit
Whether it’s a simple Astaghfirullah or the comprehensive Sayyidul Istighfar, seek Allah’s forgiveness constantly. Make it a part of your:
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Morning routine
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After Salah
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Before sleep
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During hardship
Let your tongue stay moist with the remembrance of Allah ﷻ.
🕊 Forgiveness is just one sincere Astaghfirullah away.
💬 FAQs About Istighfar
Q1: What is the best form of Istighfar?
➡️ Sayyidul Istighfar (the master supplication of forgiveness) as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
Q2: Can I say Astaghfirullah anytime?
➡️ Yes. Istighfar is not time-bound and can be said any time of day or night.
Q3: Does Istighfar erase all sins?
➡️ Yes, if done sincerely with repentance. Major sins may require more effort and conditions for tawbah.
Q4: Is Astaghfirullah in the Quran?
➡️ The command to seek forgiveness (Istighfar) is repeated in many places, such as Surah Nuh, Hud, and Al-Baqarah.