Alternative Spelling:
Astaghfirullah / Astaghferullah / Astagfirallah / Astaghferallah
What is Astaghfirullah?
- “Astaghfirullah” is one of the most commonly recited phrases in Islam, deeply tied to repentance and humility.
- It comes from the root ghafr (غفر) meaning “to cover, forgive, or protect”. The phrase literally means “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”
- Muslims say “Astaghfirullah” after committing a sin, witnessing something wrong, or when reflecting on their shortcomings.
- The Qur’an repeatedly calls believers to seek forgiveness (istighfar) as a path to Allah’s mercy, blessings, and relief from hardship.
- The Prophet ﷺ himself, despite being sinless, said Astaghfirullah more than 70 - 100 times a day, teaching its importance as daily practice.
- The phrase is not limited to moments of sin - it is also used in dua, dhikr, and daily speech to remain mindful of Allah’s mercy.
Examples of Astaghfirullah
- After a Sin: “I shouldn’t have spoken harshly - Astaghfirullah.”
- Upon Witnessing Wrong: “They’re backbiting… Astaghfirullah.”
- As Daily Dhikr: Repeating Astaghfirullah after prayer.
- In Remorse: “Astaghfirullah for missing my prayer.”
- Out of Shock: “Astaghfirullah! How could that happen?”
References in Qur'an & Hadith
Surah Nuh (71:10–11) - Quran.com/71/10-11
"And I said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send rain to you in abundance.’”
Surah Hud (11:3) - Quran.com/11/3
"And seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, and He will let you enjoy a good provision.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 6307 - Sunnah.com
The Prophet ﷺ said: "By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."
Sahih Muslim 2702 - Sunnah.com
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “There is (at times) some sort of shade upon my heart, and I seek forgiveness from Allah a hundred times a day.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 3815 - Sunnah.com
The Prophet ﷺ said:“the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: 'I seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him one hundred times each day."
FAQs for Astaghfirullah
What does Astaghfirullah mean?
Astaghfirullah means I seek forgiveness from Allah.
When should Muslims say Astaghfirullah?
Muslims should say astaghfirullah after committing sins, when seeing wrong, during dua, or as part of daily dhikr.
How many times should I say Astaghfirullah daily?
We should try and say "astaghfirullah" around 70-100 times a day as this is what the Prophet ﷺ used to do (Bukhari 6307).
Is Astaghfirullah only for big sins?
No, "astaghfirullah" is not just for big sins. it should be said for both major and minor sins, as well as forgetfulness and shortcomings.
What is the benefit of saying Astaghfirullah?
The benefit of saying astaghfirullah is that it brings Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, relief from hardship, and increase in provision (Qur’an 71:10–11).
