أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
I seek forgiveness from Allah, than whom there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, and I turn to Him in repentance.
Astaghfirullāhalladhī lā ilāha illā Huwal-Ḥayyal-Qayyūma wa atūbu ilayhi
When to Read
This powerful supplication is especially relevant when a Muslim realizes they have committed a sin while in a state of ritual impurity (janabah) or even minor impurity (hadath). It's a comprehensive plea for forgiveness and a turning back to Allah, applicable any time one feels the weight of their shortcomings. It's particularly fitting after experiencing a relapse into sin or acknowledging a lapse in good conduct, regardless of one's physical state.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a heartfelt intention to repent. Believe that Allah is Ever-Living and Self-Sustaining, and that He accepts the repentance of those who turn to Him. The repetition of seeking forgiveness (istighfar) and the declaration of turning back (tawbah) are central to its efficacy. It’s not just a verbal act but a turning of the heart towards Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This specific phrasing, 'Astaghfirullāhalladhī lā ilāha illā Huwal-Ḥayyal-Qayyūma wa atūbu ilayhi,' is known for its immense virtue in seeking forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned its power: 'If anyone says this, Allah will forgive him whatever sins he has committed, even if he had fled from the battlefield.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 1554). While the hadith doesn't specify the state of impurity, the general principle of sincere repentance and seeking Allah’s forgiveness is paramount. By turning to Allah with this dua, one acknowledges their own helplessness and dependence on Him, the Ever-Living and Self-Sustaining, thereby strengthening their connection and seeking His mercy for any wrongdoings, including those that might have occurred when one was not in a state of purity.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If anyone says: 'Astaghfirullah alladhi la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilaih' (I seek forgiveness from Allah, than whom there is no god but He, the Living, the Resurrection, and I turn to Him), Allah will forgive him even if he had fled from the battlefield. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 13, Hadith 1554; also found in Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3577 with slight variation and graded Hasan Gharib)