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 Living, the Self-Sustaining. And I turn to Him in repentance.
Astaghfirullahal-ladhi la ilaha illa huwal-hayyul-qayyum wa atubu ilaih
When to Read
Recited in the evening, after sunset. It's a beautiful practice to turn to Allah for forgiveness as the day concludes, acknowledging any shortcomings and seeking His mercy before nightfall.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, reflecting on its meaning. It's a direct plea to Allah, acknowledging His sovereignty and our reliance on Him. The act of repentance is both verbal and a sincere intention in the heart.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua carries immense weight for seeking forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 'Whoever says: Astaghfirullahal-ladhi la ilaha illa huwal-hayyul-qayyum wa atubu ilaih (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the One whom there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. And I turn to Him in repentance.) seven times, Allah will forgive him his sins even if they were like the foam of the sea.' This highlights the immense mercy Allah bestows upon those who sincerely seek His pardon.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Shaddad bin Aws (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to say: 'Astaghfirullahal-ladhi la ilaha illa huwal-hayyul-qayyum wa atubu ilaih.' (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the One whom there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. And I turn to Him in repentance.) and he said: 'Whoever says this seven times during the day, and dies that day, Paradise will be guaranteed for him. And whoever says it seven times at night, and dies that night, Paradise will be guaranteed for him.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 1554 - Hasan).