اِسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ رَبِّىْ وَاَتُوْبُ اِلَيْهِ
I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, and I turn to Him in repentance.
Astaghfirullah Rabbi wa atubu ilaih
When to Read
This profound statement of seeking forgiveness is more than just a specific dua; it's a way of life. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often turned to Allah for forgiveness, especially after performing good deeds or even in moments of intense focus. Making istighfar a regular practice, particularly in the blessed times like the last third of the night, after obligatory prayers, or when feeling distant from Allah, can open doors to blessings, including an increase in rizq.
How to Read
Recite this with sincerity and a genuine heart. It's not merely about uttering the words, but about feeling the weight of your shortcomings and turning towards Allah with hope. While there isn't a specific number prescribed for this general istighfar, consistency is key. Aim to incorporate it into your daily remembrance (dhikr), perhaps after your prayers or at other opportune moments.
Virtues & Benefits
The link between seeking forgiveness and increased sustenance is beautifully illustrated in the Quran and Sunnah. Allah says: > **Arabic:** فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَارًا > **Translation:** "And I said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He was ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuous] amounts. And give you wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.'" > — Quran [Nuh 71:10-12] This ayah directly connects istighfar with tangible blessings in this life, including wealth and children. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized this connection. When asked about it, he explained that whoever persists in seeking forgiveness, Allah will make for him a way out of every difficulty and provide for him from sources he could not have imagined. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5300, Sunan Abi Dawud 1518).
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whoever says Astaghfirullah alladhi la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilaih (I seek forgiveness from Allah, besides Whom there is no god, The Ever-Living, The Self-Subsisting and Sustaining, and I turn to Him in repentance) will be forgiven, even if he fled from the battlefield.' While this specific hadith is about a particular phrasing, the general principle of istighfar holds true. The emphasis on repentance and turning to Allah is central to all forms of seeking forgiveness.