أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
I seek forgiveness from Allah, the One whom there is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining, and I turn to Him in repentance.
Astaghfirullah-alladhee la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyumu wa atubu ilayh
When to Read
This profound supplication is specifically recommended to be recited three times immediately after concluding the obligatory prayers. It’s a beautiful way to seal your prayer, acknowledging your need for Allah's mercy and forgiveness as you transition from worship to the rest of your day.
How to Read
Recite this dua three times, with sincerity and a humble heart, right after you finish the tasleem (saying 'Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah') to your right and left, concluding your prayer. Focus on the meaning of the words, truly seeking Allah's forgiveness and affirming your repentance.
Virtues & Benefits
This particular phrase is a powerful tool for seeking comprehensive forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this supplication specifically for after prayer, a time when our hearts are often most receptive and focused on Allah. By repeating it three times, we emphasize our earnest desire for Allah to forgive our sins, both those we are aware of and those we might not even remember or anticipate. It encompasses a plea for forgiveness for everything, past, present, and future, reflecting our complete reliance on Allah's boundless mercy.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him): When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) finished his prayer, he would seek forgiveness three times and say: 'O Allah, You are Peace, and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of Majesty and Honor.' Then he would say: 'Astaghfirullah-alladhee la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyumu wa atubu ilayh.' (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the One whom there is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining, and I turn to Him in repentance.) — Sunan Abi Dawud 1557 (Hasan)