اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا، وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ، وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So, forgive me with forgiveness from You and have mercy upon me. Indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman katheeran, wa la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indik, warhamni innaka antal Ghafurur Raheem.
When to Read
This profound supplication, often recited as 'Sayyid al-Istighfar' (the Master of Seeking Forgiveness), is particularly poignant during Ramadan. As we strive to fulfill our obligations to Allah, like fasting, we may realize we've fallen short in other areas – neglecting the rights of our family, friends, or even ourselves. This is the perfect dua to turn to during the blessed nights and days of Ramadan, especially in the final third, seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings and ensuring our spiritual efforts are not in vain.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a sincere intention to correct any wrongs. Believe firmly that Allah alone can forgive your sins. It's best recited after fajr and before sleep, but its power can be invoked at any time, especially when you feel regret for past actions. Reflect on the meaning of each word, understanding the gravity of self-wrongdoing and the boundless mercy of Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This istighfar is a comprehensive prayer for forgiveness, acknowledging our own transgressions and explicitly seeking Allah's pardon and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this specific wording, indicating its immense virtue. By reciting it, we affirm Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) by recognizing that only He forgives sins. Its repetition is a cornerstone of seeking Allah's pleasure and cleansing our spiritual slate, which is crucial for maximizing the benefits of our Ramadan worship.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Shaddad bin Aus (may Allah be pleased with him): I listened to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, 'The best way of asking for forgiveness from Allah is to say: Allahumma Anta Rabbi, la ilaha illa Anta, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduk, wa ana 'ala 'ahdik wa wa'dik mastata'tu, a'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u laka bini'matik 'alayya, wa abu'u bidhanbi, faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfiru adh-dhunuba illa Anta.' He said, 'If anyone says this during the day, and dies before the evening, he will be among the people of Paradise. And if anyone says this at night, and dies before the morning, he will be among the people of Paradise.' Sahih al-Bukhari 6306. (Note: The dua in this entry is a slightly different, but also widely recognized, form of istighfar taught by the Prophet ﷺ, found in Sahih al-Bukhari 5927, and also commonly recited and taught for seeking general forgiveness).