Duas for Forgiveness (Istighfar) - Best Times to Seek Pardon
The sayyid al-istighfar and other authentic supplications for seeking Allah's forgiveness.
Istighfar, asking Allah for forgiveness, is among the most beloved acts of worship, and the Prophet ﷺ made it every day. This guide lists the authentic forms of istighfar, the conditions of true repentance (tawbah), and how to build the habit.
Quick answer
The best forms of istighfar are Sayyid al-Istighfar (Sahih al-Bukhari) and the short "Astaghfirullah," which the Prophet ﷺ said more than seventy times a day (Sahih al-Bukhari) and, in another report, one hundred times a day (Sahih Muslim). True repentance requires stopping the sin, regretting it, and resolving not to return to it, plus restoring any right owed to another person.
What the Quran says
- "And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful" (Quran 4:110).
- "And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins" (Quran 3:135).
- "Ask forgiveness of your Lord... He will send down the sky upon you in abundance" (Quran 71:10-11).
The forms of istighfar
Sayyid al-Istighfar
"Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, a'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u laka bi ni'matika 'alayya, wa abu'u bi dhanbi faghfir li fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta." The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever says it with firm faith during the day and dies before evening will be among the people of Paradise, and whoever says it at night with firm faith and dies before morning is the same (Sahih al-Bukhari). See dua 12.
Astaghfirullah
The simplest form. The Prophet ﷺ said, "I seek forgiveness from Allah more than seventy times a day" (Sahih al-Bukhari), and "I seek forgiveness a hundred times a day" (Sahih Muslim). See dua 73 and dua 74.
"Rabbighfir li wa tub 'alayya"
"My Lord, forgive me and accept my repentance, for You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful," reported to be said by the Prophet ﷺ many times in one sitting (Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded sahih by al-Albani). See dua 80.
In prostration
"Allahummaghfir li dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa 'alaniyatahu wa sirrahu" (Sahih Muslim). See dua 76.
A comprehensive request
See dua 81, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
The conditions of true repentance
Scholars list these conditions for tawbah:
- Stop the sin.
- Regret it sincerely.
- Resolve not to return to it.
- Return what is owed. If the sin involved another person, such as wealth or reputation, give back the right or seek their forgiveness.
- Repent before death, as the Prophet ﷺ said that Allah accepts repentance until the soul reaches the throat (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded hasan).
Allah's mercy
The Prophet ﷺ reported that Allah says: "O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and hope in Me, I will forgive you for what you have done, and I do not mind. O son of Adam, even if your sins reach the clouds of the sky and then you ask My forgiveness, I will forgive you" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded hasan).
Making istighfar a habit
- Add it to your morning and evening adhkar.
- Say it after every prayer. The Prophet ﷺ would say "Astaghfirullah" three times after the salam (Sahih Muslim).
- Use a counter. Our digital tasbeeh is free.
- The last third of the night is especially noted for it (Quran 51:18; 3:17).
- Say it as you sin. The Prophet ﷺ taught that a sin followed by wudu, prayer and seeking forgiveness is forgiven (Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded hasan).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best form of istighfar?
Sayyid al-Istighfar, as the Prophet ﷺ called it, reported in Sahih al-Bukhari.
How many times a day should I say "Astaghfirullah"?
The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said it seventy times and a hundred times a day. There is no obligatory number.
Does repentance need a special prayer?
Scholars recommend two rak'ahs of prayer after wudu followed by seeking forgiveness, based on a hadith in Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi that is graded hasan. It is not compulsory.
Can I repent for something I keep repeating?
Yes. Keep repenting and asking Allah for help. Giving up on repentance is not what the Sunnah teaches.
Do I need to tell someone about my sin?
No. Conceal what Allah has concealed, and repent between you and Allah. If another person's right is involved, give it back.