In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Seeking forgiveness (istighfar) is a core act of worship and humility. It is how a Muslim draws closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), purifies the heart, and wipes away sins.
The dua for forgiveness isn’t just about uttering words—it’s about returning to the path of righteousness with sincerity.
The Quran, Hadith, and Islamic tradition are filled with powerful duas that teach how to repent sincerely, seek mercy, and ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to forgive major sins.
Why Seeking Forgiveness Is So Important in Islam
Forgiveness is central to the relationship between a servant and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He is Al-Ghafoor (The Most Forgiving) and Al-Rahim (The Most Merciful).
The Quran commands believers to constantly seek forgiveness and turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) after sinning.
Prophet Adam (عليه السلام) sought forgiveness after his error, and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) accepted his repentance with mercy.
Transliteration:
Rabbi ighfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa lil-mu’minīna yawma yaqūmu al-ḥisāb
Translation:
“O my Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and all the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established.”
Source: Quran – Surah Ibrahim (14:41)
Dua for Forgiveness and Mercy
This powerful dua asks not only for forgiveness but also for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) ‘s mercy, which no human can live without. It’s a beautiful way to plead for protection from the torment of Hellfire.
Transliteration:
Rabbana ẓalamna anfusana wa in lam taghfir lana wa tarḥamnā lanakūnanna mina al-khāsirīn
Translation:
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
Source: Quran – Surah Al-A’raf (7:23) – The dua of Adam (عليه السلام)
Reciting Astaghfirullah 100 Times a Day
Saying Astaghfirullah (I seek Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) forgiveness) is simple but deeply meaningful.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would recite it more than 70 times daily despite being sinless. Repeating it 100 times a day wipes away minor sins, cleanses the soul, and opens the doors of mercy.
Transliteration:
Astaghfirullāha wa atūbu ilayh
Translation:
“I seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and turn to Him in repentance.”
Source: Hadith – Sahih Muslim
Dua for Forgiveness and Repentance
This Islamic dua for forgiveness acknowledges human error and turns the heart fully toward Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
It’s the essence of repentance—asking for both pardon and the strength not to repeat the sin.
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ighfir lī, waʿfu ʿannī, wahdinī, warzuqnī
Translation:
“O Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), forgive me, pardon me, guide me, and grant me sustenance.”
Source: Hadith – Sunan Ibn Majah
Dua for Forgiveness of Past and Future Sins
Only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) can forgive major sins and future transgressions. The Prophet ﷺ often asked for forgiveness even when he had none to account for.
Translation:
“O Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ)! Forgive me all my sins—great and small, the first and the last, those that are apparent and those that are hidden.”
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ighfir lī dhanbī kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa ākhirahu, wa ʿalāniyatahu wa sirrahu
Source: Hadith – Sahih Muslim
Powerful Verses from the Quran for Forgiveness
The Quran is filled with verses of mercy and forgiveness. Reciting them with sincerity invokes divine compassion and leads to inner peace.
Transliteration:
Wasāriʿū ilā maghfiratin min rabbikum wa jannatin ʿarḍuhā al-samāwātu wal-arḍ
Translation:
“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth.”
Source: Quran – Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:133)
Dua for Forgiveness and Protection from Hellfire
A believer must fear Jahannam while hoping for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) ‘s mercy. This dua for forgiveness directly seeks refuge from the Hellfire.
Transliteration:
Rabbana ighfir lana dhunubana, wa kaffir ʿanna sayyiātinā, wa tawaffanā maʿa al-abrār
Translation:
“O our Lord, forgive us our sins, and remove from us our misdeeds and cause us to die with the righteous.”
Source: Quran – Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:193)
Dua for the Forgiveness of Parents
Parents hold a sacred status in Islam. Making dua for parents’ forgiveness is one of the most noble acts a Muslim can do.
Transliteration:
Rabbir ḥam-humā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā
Translation:
“My Lord! Have mercy on them as they brought me up when I was small.”
Source: Quran – Surah Al-Isra (17:24)
Dua for Forgiveness and Joining the Righteous
This Islamic dua not only seeks forgiveness but also yearns for righteous companionship in the Hereafter.
Transliteration:
Rabbī ighfir lī wa alḥiqnī biṣ-ṣāliḥīn
Translation:
“My Lord, forgive me and join me with the righteous.”
Source: Quran – Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:83)
Benefits of Seeking Forgiveness Regularly
Saying Astaghfirullah regularly brings Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) ‘s forgiveness, peace, and even sustenance.
The Prophet ﷺ promised that those who frequently seek forgiveness will find a way out of difficulty. Rain will be sent, wealth will increase, and problems will vanish.
Transliteration:
Istaghfirū rabbakum innahu kāna ghaffārā
Translation:
“Ask forgiveness from your Lord; indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.”
Source: Quran – Surah Nuh (71:10)
Dua for the Forgiveness of Major and Minor Sins
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ighfir lī mā qaddamtu wa mā akhkhartu, wa mā asrartu wa mā aʿlantu
Translation:
“O Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), forgive all my sins, past and future, those done in secret and in public.”
This powerful dua covers both major and minor sins. It reminds Muslims to ask for complete pardon with humility.
Source: Hadith – Sahih Bukhari
Dua for Forgiveness and Sustenance
Forgiveness is often linked with rizq (provision). As per the Quran, seeking forgiveness invites blessings, rain, and children.
Transliteration:
Istaghfirū rabbakum innahu kāna ghaffārā Yursil al-samāʾa ʿalaykum midrārā
Translation:
“Seek forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send rain from the sky upon you in continuing showers.”
Source: Quran – Surah Nuh (71:10–11)
Check out our other duas
- Dua for Success
- Dua for Protection
- Dua for Health
- Dua for Marriage
FAQ
Summary – Dua For Forgiveness
Seeking forgiveness is a divine mercy and a path to spiritual purification in Islam. Whether it’s for major sins, protection from Hellfire, or simply drawing closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), making dua for forgiveness heals the soul.
The Quran, sunnah, and prophetic traditions emphasise that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) forgives all who return to Him. Recite these powerful duas, reflect, and make sincere tawbah.
Your Lord is near, and His mercy knows no bounds.
