“Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you? Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah An-Nur, ayah 22)
In this guide, we explore Sayyidul Istighfar—one of the most powerful supplications (duas) to seek forgiveness from Allah, cherished in Islamic tradition for its authenticity and profound impact.
Sayyidul Istighfar: The Superior Dua for Forgiveness
Arabic Text:
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَىَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
Transliteration:
Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Khalaqtani wa ana Abduka, wa ana ala ahdika wa wadika mastatatu, Audhu bika min Sharri ma sanatu, abu’u Laka binimatika `alaiya, wa abu’u laka bidhanbi faghfir lee fa innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta
English Translation:
“O Allah, You are my Lord. You created me, and I am Your slave. I will remain faithful to Your covenant and promise as much as possible. I seek refuge with You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me, and I admit my sin. So, forgive me. Indeed, none can forgive sins but You.”
Guidance from the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ taught that this supplication is the most superior way to ask for Allah’s forgiveness. He emphasized its immense blessing, stating:
- “If somebody recites it during the day with firm faith in it, and dies on the same day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise.”
- “If somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it, and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise.”
The Prophet ﷺ himself sought Allah’s forgiveness more than seventy times a day—a powerful example of how repentance should be a constant, heartfelt practice for believers. Even those guaranteed Jannah strive for frequent forgiveness, reminding us that no one is free from the need to turn to Allah in repentance.
How to Supplicate for Forgiveness
Repentance should not be limited to specific times—whenever you remember Allah, seek His forgiveness sincerely. When supplicating:
- Be firm and resolute in your request. The Prophet ﷺ advised: “When one of you makes supplication, he should supplicate with a will and should not say: ‘O Allah, confer upon me if Thou likest,’ for there is none to coerce Allah.” Avoid phrases that question Allah’s ability to forgive (e.g., “if You can” or “if You’re able”), as they undermine the certainty of His mercy.
- Embrace the simple yet powerful invocation “Astaghfirullah” (“I seek forgiveness from Allah”) as a regular part of your dhikr.
Quranic Guidance on Forgiveness
Allah’s mercy is boundless, and He loves those who repent and do good. As stated in Surah Al Imran:
“The believers are those who spend in charity during ease and hardship and who restrain their anger and pardon the people, for Allah loves the doers of good.” (3:134)
A key truth: Be merciful to others, and Allah will show you mercy. Forgive those who wrong you, and Allah will forgive your sins.
Other Authentic Duas for Forgiveness
From the sunnah, we have additional heartfelt supplications for repentance:
- Narrated from ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): Prior to his demise, the Prophet ﷺ frequently supplicated: “Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi; Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilaihi.” (Translation: “Allah is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him. I beg forgiveness from Allah and I turn to Him in repentance.”)
- Narrated from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them): We heard the Prophet ﷺ say a hundred times in one sitting: “Rabb-ighfir li, wa tubb alayya, innaka Antat-Tawwabur-Rahim.” (Translation: “My Lord! Forgive me and pardon me. Indeed, You are the Oft-Returning with compassion and Ever Merciful.”)
May Allah accept our repentance, shower us with His forgiveness, and guide us to a life of sincerity and good deeds. If this guide has benefited you, share it to spread knowledge and barakah among fellow believers.
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