أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ الَّذِي لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
I seek forgiveness from Allah, the One besides Whom there is no god, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer. And I turn to Him in repentance.
Astaghfirullāhalladhī lā ilāha illā Huwa al-Ḥayyu al-Qayyūmu wa atūbu ilayh
When to Read
This powerful dua is recommended to be recited in the morning, after waking up. It's a beautiful way to start your day by seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings or sins committed during the night, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It aligns perfectly with the morning routine, setting a tone of humility and reliance on Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a genuine feeling of regret for any sins. Believe that Allah is the Most Merciful and will accept your repentance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this specific wording, so reciting it as taught is part of seeking the blessing of his Sunnah.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is particularly potent for seeking forgiveness for sins committed, especially those that might have occurred during the night. By acknowledging Allah as 'Al-Ḥayy' (The Ever-Living) and 'Al-Qayyum' (The Sustainer), we affirm our complete dependence on Him and His eternal nature. This act of repentance in the morning purifies the heart and can be a means of attaining Allah's immense mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned that whoever says this, Allah will forgive him, even if he had fled from the battlefield (referring to major sins).
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Sa'id bin Abi Burda (from his father, from his grandfather) that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'When he accepted Islam, 'Umar bin al-Khattab said: 'O Messenger of Allah! I have not seen a day worse than it (before Islam) nor better than the day on which you have taken me as a companion.' The Prophet ﷺ said: 'All of it (Islam) is goodness. And I want to tell you a statement which Allah has taught me to say.' He then taught him: 'Astaghfirullāhalladhī lā ilāha illā Huwa al-Ḥayyu al-Qayyūmu wa atūbu ilayh.' The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Allah will forgive the servant for this statement, even if he had fled from the battlefield (i.e., committed a major sin).' (Sunan Abi Dawud 1517, classified as Hasan by Al-Albani; Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3577, classified as Sahih Gharib by At-Tirmidhi and Sahih by Al-Albani)