اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ مِمَّا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَغْلَنْتُ، وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
O Allah, I ask Your forgiveness for what I have done and what I have left undone, for what I have concealed and what I have done openly, and for what You know better than I. You are the One Who sends forth and the One Who delays; there is no god but You.
Allahumma inni astaghfiruka mimma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni, Antal-Muqaddimu wa Antal-Mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta.
When to Read
This profound dua is especially potent when seeking sincere repentance after committing sins, including those done under the influence of intoxicants. Recite it with a heavy heart, after realizing the gravity of your actions. It's not just for specific moments, but can be a consistent part of your daily remembrance (dhikr), particularly after prayers, to reinforce your commitment to change.
How to Read
Recite this dua with genuine remorse and a firm intention to cease the sinful behavior. Face the Qiblah if possible, raise your hands slightly, and pour your heart out to Allah. Understand the meaning of each word and reflect on His attributes of Forgiveness and Mercy. It is best to do this in a state of purity (wudu) if you can, though sincere repentance is accepted even without it.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive istighfar encompasses all types of sins, past, present, concealed, and open. By acknowledging Allah as the Sole Controller of time (sending forth and delaying), you affirm your complete reliance on Him. Reciting this dua with sincerity is a direct path to seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy, which are vast enough to encompass all sins. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to the one who felt he had committed many sins, showing its immense power for a troubled soul.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) say: 'By Allah, I seek for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.' In another narration, it is more than a hundred times. And this dua is what the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say when he sought forgiveness: 'Allahumma inni astaghfiruka mimma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni, Antal-Muqaddimu wa Antal-Mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta.' (Sahih Muslim 771)