Duas for Forgiveness are very important to Muslims’ spiritual lives all over the world.
As people who believe in Allah, we always ask for his forgiveness and gifts because we know that, as humans, we make mistakes.
Through these special prayers, we find a deep way to show our regret, ask for forgiveness, and get closer to our Creator.
Recognizing our flaws makes it important for us to use these duas as a way to reach Allah’s endless kindness and grace.
This article will explain and remind you of some of the most powerful duas that we can recite when seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
Most Powerful Duas for Forgiveness
If you ask, “What is the most powerful dua to get forgiveness from Allah?”, The answer is Istighfar.
Istighfar is thought to be the most powerful way to ask Allah for forgiveness for a number of reasons.
Firstly, istighfar is a way to admit our own mistakes and sins, which shows humility and an earnest desire to change.
By openly asking for forgiveness, we take responsibility for our actions and show regret for any wrongdoings.
Secondly, istighfar is a way to ask Allah’s forgiveness and kindness. It shows that we are humble and sorry, and that we realize we have hurt Allah and done wrong.
Also, istighfar is a complete dua that covers all kinds of sins and wrongdoings. It isn’t limited to certain acts or situations, but includes everything in our lives.
Furthermore, istighfar is an ongoing process that can be done anywhere, at any time. It is not limited to certain practices or events, but can be done at any time during the day.
This lets us constantly ask Allah for forgiveness and keep our relationship with him strong.
Additionally, istighfar has the ability to clean our minds and souls. By truly asking for forgiveness and repenting, we get rid of the spiritual dirt that our sins have left behind.
This process of purification helps us grow as spiritual beings and strengthens our relationship with Allah.
In conclusion, istighfar is the most potent dua for seeking Allah for forgiveness.
Because it allows us to recognize our mistakes, ask for mercy, cover all sins, repeat it, and cleanse our minds and spirits.
It is a powerful way to admit your wrongdoing and get closer to Allah.
Astaghfirullah 100 times
Astaghfirullah is an easy but powerful dua and one of the best prayers for forgiveness.
Even saying “astaghfirullah” 100 times a day is one of the sunnahs of the prophet Muhammad PBUH, and it only takes 2 minutes to do so.
Here are the supplications of Istighfar and their translation:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ
Transliteration:
Astaghfirullah
Translation:
“I ask Allah’s forgiveness.”
Or you can also recite:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ
Transliteration:
Astaghfirullah hal adzhim
Translation:
“I seek forgiveness from Allah The Most Great.”
Sayyidul Istighfar
The other type of istighfar you can recite is the Sayyidul Istighfar, known as “The Noblest Form of Seeking Forgiveness.”
Here are the supplications of Sayyidul Istighfar from Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75 Hadith #318:
اَللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّيْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِيْ وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ. أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوْءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ. وَأَبُوْءُ بِذَنْبِيْ فَاغْفِرْ لِيْ فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوْبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Transliteration:
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 bidhanbi, faghfirli fa innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta.
Translation:
“O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me, and I am Your servant, and I abide to Your covenant and promise [to honor it] as best I can.
I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed, I acknowledge Your favor upon me.
and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sins except You.”
Duas for forgiveness From Quran
The Quran frequently mentions repentance and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
Here are some Quranic Duas that we can recite to ask forgiveness and a noble finish from Allah:
Quran: Al A’raf [7:23]
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ …
Transliteration:
rabbanaa zhalamnaa anfusanaa wa-in lam taghfir lanaa wa-tarhamnaa la-nakuunanna minal-khaasiriin
Translation:
“Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will certainly be losers.”
Quran: Al Hashr [59:10]
رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَٰنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلْإِيمَـٰنِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِى قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ رَءُوفُ رَّحِيمٌ …
Transliteration:
rabbana-ghfir lanaa wa li ikhwaninal-laziina sabaquuna bil-iimaan, wa laa taj-al fii quluubina ghillal-lil lazina aamanuu, rabbanaa innaka rauufur-rahiim.
Translation:
“Our Lord! Forgive us and our fellow believers who preceded us in faith, and do not allow bitterness into our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord! Indeed, You are Ever Gracious, Most Merciful.”
Quran: Al Anbiya [21:87]
لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَـٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ …
Transliteration:
laaa ilaaha illaaa Anta Subhaanaka innii kuntu minaz zaalimiin.
Translation:
“There is no god worthy of worship except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong.”
Quran: Ali Imron [3:16]
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ …
Transliteration:
Rabbana innanaa aamannaa faghfirlanaa dzunuubanaa wa qinaa ‘adzaaba an-naar.
Translation:
“Our Lord! We have believed, so forgive our sins and protect us from the torment of the Fire.”
Quran: Ali Imron [3:147]
رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسْرَافَنَا فِىٓ أَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ …
Transliteration:
Rabbana ghfir lana zunuubana wa-israafanaa fii amrinaa wa tsabbit aqdaamanaa wa-nshurnaa ‘ala al-qoumil kaafiriin.
Translation:
“Our Lord! Forgive our sins and excesses, make our steps firm, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.”
Quran: Ali Imron [3:193]
رَبَّنَا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلْأَبْرَارِ …
Transliteration:
Rabbana fa-ghfir lana zunuubana wa-kaffir anna sayyi-aatina wa-tafawwafaa maal-abrar
Translation:
“Our Lord! Forgive our sins, absolve us of our misdeeds, and allow us each to die as one of the virtuous.”
Duas for forgiveness from Hadith
Riyad as-Salihin 1872 (Book 19, Hadith 4)
رب اغفر لي، وتب على إنك أنت التواب الرحيم
Transliteration:
Rabbi-ghfirlii, wa tubb ‘alayya. innaka anta-tawwabu-rahiim
Translation:
“My Lord! Forgive me and pardon me. Indeed, You are the Oft-Returning with compassion and Ever Merciful.”
Full Hadith Reference:
وعن بن عمر رضي الله عنه قال: كنا نعد لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في المجلس الواحد مائة مرة: “رب اغفر لي، وتب على إنك أنت التواب الرحيم” ((رواه أبوداود والترمذي)). وقال: ((حديث حسن صحيح غريب)) .
Riyad as-Salihin 1872 (Book 19, Hadith 6)
أستغفر الله الذي لا إله إلا هو الحي القيوم وأتوب إليه
Transliteration:
Astaghfir ullah-alladhi laa ilaha illa Huwal-Haiyul-Qayyuumu, wa atuubu ilaihi
Translation:
“I seek the forgiveness of Allah, there is no true god except Allah, the Ever-Living, the Self- Subsisting, and I turn to Him in repentance”
Full Hadith Reference:
وعن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : “من قال: أستغفر الله الذي لا إله إلا هو الحي القيوم وأتوب إليه ، غفرت ذنوبه ، وإن كان قد فر من الزحف” ((رواه أبو داود والترمذي والحاكم، وقال: حديث صحيح على شرط البخاري ومسلم)).
Riyad as-Salihin 1872 (Book 19, Hadith 8)
استغفر الله ,اللهم أنت السلام، ومنك السلام، تباركت يا ياذا الجلال والإكرام
Transliteration:
Astaghfirullah, Allahumma Antas-Salamu, wa minkas-Salamu, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram.
Translation:
“I seek the forgiveness of Allah, O Allah! You are the Bestower of security, and security comes from You; Blessed are You. O Possessor of glory and Honor”
Full Hadith Reference:
وعن ثوبان رضي الله عنه قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا انصرف من صلاته ، استغفر الله ثلاثاً وقال: ”اللهم أنت السلام، ومنك السلام، تباركت يا ياذا الجلال والإكرام” قيل للأوزاعي- وهو أحد رواته: كيف الإستغفار؟ قال: يقول: ”أستغفر الله ، أستغفر الله” ((رواه مسلم)).
Riyad as-Salihin 1877 (Book 19, Hadith 9)
سبحان الله وبحمده، أستغفر الله، وأتوب إليه
Transliteration:
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.”
Full Hadith Reference:
وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يكثر أن يقول قبل موته “سبحان الله وبحمده، أستغفر الله، وأتوب إليه” ((متفق عليه)).
Bulugh al-Maram: The Book of Prayer (Book 2, Hadith 302)
اَللَّهُمَّ اِغْفِرْ لِي , وَارْحَمْنِي , وَاهْدِنِي , وَعَافِنِي , وَارْزُقْنِي
Transliteration:
Allahumma ighfir li, warhamni, wahdini, wa ‘afini, warzuqni
Translation:
“O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me health and well-being, and provide sustenance for me”
Full Hadith Reference:
وَعَنْ اِبْنِ عَبَّاسٍ -رَضِيَ اَللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا- أَنَّ اَلنَّبِيَّ - صلى الله عليه وسلم -كَانَ يَقُولُ بَيْنَ اَلسَّجْدَتَيْنِ : { اَللَّهُمَّ اِغْفِرْ لِي , وَارْحَمْنِي , وَاهْدِنِي , وَعَافِنِي , وَارْزُقْنِي } رَوَاهُ اَلْأَرْبَعَةُ إِلَّا النَّسَائِيُّ , وَاللَّفْظُ لِأَبِي دَاوُدَ , وَصَحَّحَهُ اَلْحَاكِمُ
Riyad as-Salihin 1476 (Book 16, Hadith 12)
اللهم اغفر لي خطيئتي وجهلي، وإسرافي في أمري، وما أنت أعلم به مني، اللهم اغفر لي جدي وهزلي، وخطئي وعمدي، وكل ذلك عندي، اللهم اغفر لي ما قدمت وما أخرت، وما أسررت وما أعلنت، وما أنت أعلم به مني، أنت المقدم، وأنت المؤخر، وأنت على كل شيء قدير
Transliteration:
Allahumm-aghfir lii khati’ati, wajahli, wa israafi fii amri, wa maa Anta a’lamu bihi minni.
Allahumm-aghfir lii jiddi wa hazli, wa khata’i wa ‘amdi, wa kullu dhalika ‘indi.
Allahumm-aghfir lii ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu, wa ma a’lantu, wa ma Anta a’lamu bihi minni.
Antal-Muqaddimu, wa Antal-Mu’akhkhiru; wa Anta ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadir
Translation:
“O Allah! Forgive my errors, ignorance and immoderation in my affairs. You are better aware of my faults than myself.
O Allah! Forgive my faults which I committed in seriousness or in fun deliberately or inadvertently.
O Allah! Grant me pardon for those sins which I committed in the past and I may commit in future, which I committed in privacy or in public and all those sins of which You are better aware than me.
You Alone can send whomever You will to Jannah, and You Alone can send whomever You will to Hell-fire and You are Omnipotent”
Full Hadith Reference:
وعن أبي موسى، رضي الله عنه، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، أنه كان يدعو بهذا الدعاء: “اللهم اغفر لي خطيئتي وجهلي، وإسرافي في أمري، وما أنت أعلم به مني، اللهم اغفر لي جدي وهزلي، وخطئي وعمدي، وكل ذلك عندي، اللهم اغفر لي ما قدمت وما أخرت، وما أسررت وما أعلنت، وما أنت أعلم به مني، أنت المقدم، وأنت المؤخر، وأنت على كل شيء قدير” ((متفق عليه)).
full reference for all of this hadith: sunnah.com
Things To Remember When Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy
To seek forgiveness from Allah, follow these steps:
1. Reflect on your blessings and be grateful to Allah.
2. Perform your daily prayers and establish a direct connection with Allah.
3. Offer Salat al Tawbah (2 Nafl Rakah) as a form of repentance.
4. Engage in actions that please Allah, such as giving charity and being kind to others.
5. Regret your sins sincerely and make a firm intention to avoid them in the future.
6. Remember Allah frequently to stay away from desires and sins.
7. Seek forgiveness with a genuine and sincere heart, feeling ashamed of your misdeeds.
8. Repent without delay, as we do not know when our time will end.
9. Understand that Allah forgives whom He chooses, but we must continue to seek His mercy.
10. Always strive to improve and cleanse yourself, as Allah loves those who repent.
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