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Duas for forgiveness
November 17, 2024
Dua for forgiveness: duas to seek Allah's mercy
By Yusuf Jaffar
•
3 min read
Seeking forgiveness from Allah is a fundamental part of every Muslim's spiritual journey. No matter the nature of our mistakes—major or minor—Allah’s mercy is vast and boundless. The act of seeking forgiveness (istighfar) not only cleanses our hearts but also strengthens our connection with our Creator.
In this guide, we will explore powerful duas for forgiveness, discuss how to repent for both major and minor sins, and delve into the practice of making istighfar, a cornerstone of spiritual renewal in Islam.
Dua for forgiveness of major sins: turning back to Allah’s mercy
In Islam, seeking forgiveness for major sins is a profound act of turning back to Allah's mercy. Major sins, such as shirk (associating partners with Allah), murder, and adultery, require sincere repentance. The process of repentance is known as tawbah, and it involves several key steps.
Steps for seeking forgiveness for major sins
Remorse is the first and essential step. It involves feeling deep regret and sorrow for committing the sin. This internal feeling signals faith in the heart and a sincere acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Next comes repentance, where the individual verbally asks Allah for forgiveness by sincerely saying astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah), accompanied by humility and a genuine plea for mercy.
A critical component of repentance is resolve—making a firm intention never to commit the sin again.
Powerful duas for forgiveness
Several supplications (duas) are recommended to seek forgiveness for both minor and major sins.
Sayyidul istighfar (the best dua for forgiveness)
اللهم أنت ربي لا إله إلا أنت خلقتني وأنا عبدك وأنا على عهدك ووعدك ما استطعت أعوذ بك من شر ما صنعت أبوء لك بنعمتك علي وأبوء بذنبي فاغفر لي فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت
Translation:
"O Allah! You are my Lord. There is no true god except You. You created me, and I am Your servant. I hold to Your Covenant as far as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your blessings upon me, and I confess my sins. So forgive me, for no one forgives sins but You."
Dua for major sins
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيَّ الْقَيُّومَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
Transliteration:
Astaghfirullah al-‘Adheem al-ladhi la ilaha illa Huwa al-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilayh.
Translation:
"I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, besides whom there is no God, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence, and I repent to Him."
This dua is said to erase even major sins when recited sincerely.
Dua of prophet Yunus (A.S.)
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Translation:
"There is no god but You; Glory be to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers" (Qur'an 21:87).
This powerful dua, recited by prophet Yunus (A.S.) when he was in distress, serves as a timeless reminder that Allah forgives those who sincerely repent.
Allah’s boundless mercy
The Qur'an emphasizes that no matter how great one's sins are, Allah’s mercy is greater:
"Say: O My servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" (Qur'an 39:53).
This verse reassures believers that they should never lose hope in Allah’s mercy, even if they have committed grave sins.
Charity and forgiveness of sins
Charity (sadaqah) plays an important role in seeking forgiveness for minor sins in Islam. It is widely recognized as a means of purifying the soul and earning Allah’s mercy. However, it cannot replace sincere repentance for major sins.
Expiation of minor sins
The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” (Tirmidhi). This highlights that giving charity helps cleanse a person of minor sins, which are often committed unintentionally or out of negligence.
Regular charity for ongoing purification
Scholars recommend giving charity regularly to maintain spiritual cleanliness. Since minor sins can accumulate over time without realization, regular acts of charity help ensure these sins are continuously forgiven. This aligns with the Qur'anic verse:
"Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds" (Qur'an 11:114).
It is recommended that people closer to your have a greater right on your charity. Provided below is a carousel of fundraisers close to you. Please remember that your relatives have a right over your charity as well.
"Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds" (Qur'an 11:114). It is recommended that people closer to your have a greater right on your charity. Provided below is a carousel of fundraisers close to you. Please remember that your relatives have a right over your charity as well.
The power of making istighfar: a habit of seeking forgiveness
Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah) is a transformative practice with immense spiritual benefits. It purifies the soul, reduces stress, attracts divine blessings, and strengthens one’s connection to Allah.
Simple forms of istighfar
The simplest and most commonly recited form of istighfar is:
Astaghfirullah
Translation: "I seek forgiveness from Allah."
This short phrase can be repeated throughout the day, especially after prayers or during moments of reflection.
Another powerful form of istighfar is:
Arabic:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيَّ الْقَيُّومَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
Transliteration:
Astaghfirullah al-‘Adheem al-ladhi la ilaha illa Huwa al-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilayh.
Translation:
"I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, besides whom there is no deity, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence, and I repent to Him."
Forgiveness and blessings
The Qur'an promises:
"Ask forgiveness of your Lord... He will increase your wealth and children" (Qur'an 71:10-12).
Istighfar not only brings forgiveness but also attracts blessings and protection from punishment:
"Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness" (Qur'an 8:33).
By making istighfar a habit and combining it with acts of charity, believers can purify their hearts, draw closer to Allah, and secure His mercy and blessings.
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