أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
I seek forgiveness from Allah and I turn to Him in repentance.
Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh
When to Read
This practice of seeking forgiveness is not tied to a specific time, but rather encouraged consistently throughout the day. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have said: 'By Allah, I seek for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). This demonstrates it's a continuous state of remembrance and self-accountability. You can incorporate this into your daily routine, perhaps after prayers, during quiet moments, or when you catch yourself in heedlessness.
How to Read
The simplest and most common form of Istighfar is 'Astaghfirullah' (I seek Allah's forgiveness). The version mentioned in Sahih Muslim 2706, 'Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh,' is more comprehensive, encompassing both seeking forgiveness and turning back to Allah in repentance. The essence is sincerity in your heart. It's not just the utterance of words, but a genuine acknowledgment of shortcomings and a sincere desire to turn to Allah. There's no specific number of times *required* beyond the prophetic example of consistency, but aiming for a conscious effort like the Prophet's ﷺ is a beautiful aspiration.
Virtues & Benefits
Consistently seeking Allah's forgiveness brings immense blessings. The Quran tells us: 'And [He said], 'O my people, seek forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers and add to you strength over your strength. And do not turn away, criminals.'' (Hud 11:52). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said: 'Whoever says 'Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi' (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him) one hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins, even if they were as abundant as the foam of the sea.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6405). Istighfar is a key to Allah's mercy, forgiveness, increased provision, and strength. It purifies the heart and brings one closer to the Creator.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'By Allah, I seek for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). Also, it is reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'O people, turn to Allah in repentance for I indeed turn to Him one hundred times in a day.' (Sahih Muslim 2702, but the wording 'one hundred times' varies in transmission. The emphasis is on the consistency and high frequency). A more comprehensive phrasing of Istighfar is found in Sahih Muslim 2706, where the Prophet ﷺ said: 'By Allah, I seek for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.' The translation provided ('Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh') is a common and beautiful expression of this meaning.