Dua for forgiveness is a profound act of worship in Islam, and the Quran and Hadith provide us with numerous supplications to help us in this spiritual endeavor.
First and foremost, we should know that Allah, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, has made it clear through the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that He desires us to seek His forgiveness. This act of seeking forgiveness is not just a recommendation but a command from Allah Himself.
“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious said: ‘O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you.'” (Sahih Muslim)
Abu Hurairah narrated that: Allah’s Messenger (S) said: Allah, Blessed and Exalted is He, descends to the earth’s heaven every night when the first third of the night has passed.
He, Allah says: I am the Sovereign. Is there any who calls upon Me so that I may respond to him? Is there any who asks of Me that I may give him? Is there any who seeks forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?’ He continues in that until the illumination of Al-Fajr (Tirimidhi)
This act of turning to Allah in repentance and seeking His mercy is fundamental to our faith and spiritual growth which leads to closeness to Allah, and ultimate salvation. Allah repeatedly encourages us His servants to turn to Him in repentance and seek His forgiveness.
These Duas are powerful tools in our spiritual toolkit, helping us to seek Allah’s forgiveness with sincerity and humility. By incorporating them into our daily lives, we can continuously cleanse our hearts, draw closer to Allah (SWT), and live in a state of constant spiritual renewal.
Let’s explore some essential Dua for forgiveness from Allah, along with their meanings and contexts.
1. Simplest Dua For Forgiveness
This simple yet powerful Dua is a daily reminder of our need for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. It can be recited at any time, especially after committing a sin or making a mistake.
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ
Astaghfirullah
Meaning: “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day” (Sahih Bukhari).
2. The Chief Dua for Forgiveness (Sayyidul Istighfar )
Sayyidul Istighfar is considered the most superior dua for forgiveness, acknowledging Allah’s sovereignty, our servitude, and reliance on His mercy. It includes praise of Allah, recognition of His blessings, admission of sins, and a plea for forgiveness. It is recommended that this Dua be recited in the morning and evening.
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ، وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَىَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي، فَاغْفِرْ لِي، فَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
“Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana abduka, wa ana ‘ala ‘ahdika wa wa’dika ma istata’tu, a’udhu bika min sharri ma sana’tu, abu’u laka bini’matika ‘alayya, wa abu’u bidhanbi, faghfir li fa-innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta.”
Meaning: “O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no deity but You. You created me, and I am Your servant, and I am in Your covenant and Your promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) added. “If somebody recites it during the day with firm faith in it, and dies on the same day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise; and if somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it, and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise.” (Sahih Bukhari)
3. Dua of Adam (AS) and Hawwa (AS) When They Sinned
This Dua was recited by Adam (peace be upon him) and Hawwa (peace be upon her) after they ate from the forbidden tree. This dua is a powerful expression of remorse and a plea for Allah’s mercy.
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَـسِرِينَ
“Rabbana zalamna anfusana wa illam taghfir lana watarhamna lanakunanna mina alkhasireen.”
Meaning: “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.” (Quran 7:23)
4. Dua of Prophet Musa (AS)
This Dua was recited by Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) after he unintentionally killed an Egyptian. It emphasizes the importance of turning to Allah immediately after realizing our mistakes and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
It shows personal responsibility and a sincere effort to rectify one’s actions. Reciting this Dua encourages accountability for one’s error or mistake and prompts repentance.
رَبِّ إِنِّى ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِى فَٱغْفِرْ لِى فَغَفَرَ لَهُۥٓۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
“Rabbi inni zalamtu nafsi faghfir li.”
Meaning: “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me.” (Al-Quran 28:16)
5. Dua For Forgiveness For Oneself and One’s Parents
This is a beautiful Dua for oneself, one’s parents, and the entire community of believers. It encourages seeking forgiveness collectively for the spiritual health of our loved ones and fellow believers.
رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَىَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْحِسَابُ
“Rabbighfir li waliwalidayya walilmu’mineena yawma yaqoomu alhisab.”
Meaning: “Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.” (Al-Quran 14:41)
6. Dua For Forgiveness And Removal Of Sins
This Dua is a comprehensive plea for forgiveness, removal of sins, and a request from Allah to include one among the righteous in the Hereafter.
This supplication covers multiple aspects of seeking Allah’s mercy, from forgiveness of sins to removing the record from one’s deed and striving for a noble end. Reciting this Dua regularly can inspire a continuous effort to live a pious life.
رَبَّنَا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلْأَبْرَارِ
“Rabbana faghfir lana dhunubana wa kaffir ‘anna sayyiatina wa tawaffana ma’al abrar.”
- Meaning: “Our Lord, forgive our sins and remove from us our misdeeds and cause us to die with the righteous.” (Al-Quran 3:193)
7. Dua For Forgiveness And Pardon
This Dua is a great prayer for asking Allah to pardon one’s mistakes and sins. It’s most recited especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan. It underscores Allah’s attribute of loving to accept our appeal and forgive us in His infinite mercy.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عُفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu anni.”
Meaning: “O Allah, You are Most Forgiving (pardoning), and You love forgiveness (to pardon); so forgive me. (pardon me)”
Aisha reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is the Night of Decree, what should I say during it?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Say: O Allah, You are pardoning. You love to forgive, so forgive me.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3513)
8. Dua of Prophet Yunus (AS) while in the belly of the whale.
This Dua was made by Prophet Yunus (AS) while in the belly of the whale. It is a powerful expression of Tawhid (oneness of Allah) and admission of one’s wrongdoings. It combines the glorification of Allah with personal accountability. This dua for forgiveness includes total admission of one’s mistakes and seeking forgiveness from Allah Subuhanuhu was taa’la.
Reciting this supplication can bring immense relief and hope, knowing that Allah’s mercy is ever-present even in the darkest of times.
لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
“Subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin.”
Meaning: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.” (Al-Quran 21:87)
9. Dua For Forgiveness Through Allah’s Attributes (Astaghfirullah al-Azeem)
This Dua expresses the majesty of Allah (SWT) and combines seeking forgiveness with reaffirming His uniqueness and eternal attributes. This dua stresses the grandeur of Allah and our humble position as His servants that is seeking his forgiveness.
It reminds us of Allah’s eternal nature and our dependence on His forgiveness. Regular recitation can help cultivate a deep sense of humility and reinforce our commitment to repentance and righteous living.
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيَّ الْقَيُّومَ، وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
“Astaghfirullah al-‘Azeem alladhi la ilaha illa Huwal Hayyul Qayyum wa atubu ilayh.”
Meaning: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Mighty, whom there is no deity except Him, the Living, the Eternal, and I repent to Him.”
Bilal bin Yasar bin Zaid [the freed slave of the Prophet (peace be upon him) narrated: “My father narrated to me, from my grandfather, that he heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say:
‘Whoever says: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Magnificent, whom there is none worthy of worship but Him, the Living, Al-Qayyum, and I repent to him,” (Astaghfirullāhal-`Aẓīm alladhī lā ilāha illā huwal-Ḥayyul-Qayyūmu wa atūbu ilaih) then Allah will forgive him, even if he fled from battle.’”
10. Dua for Forgiveness of Sins
This is a powerful Dua to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, protection from sins, and fulfilment of righteous needs. This dua for forgiveness of sins makes one see Allah’s mercy after his forgiveness has been sought.
رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ ۖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا ۚ
“Rabbana la tu’akhidhna in nasina aw akhta’na. Rabbana wala tahmil ‘alayna isran kama hamaltahu ‘alal-ladhina min qablina. Rabbana wala tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bihi. Wa’fu anna, waghfir lana, warhamna“
Meaning: “Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we cannot bear. And pardon us; and forgive us, and have mercy upon us. ” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 286)
11. Dua for Forgiveness Before Starting Solat
This Dua is a good prayer you can learn and recite before starting Solat every day. It is a heartfelt plea for purification from one’s sins and asking Allah to distance us from our sins.
اللَّهُمَّ بَاعِدْ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ خَطَايَايَ كَمَا بَاعَدْتَ بَيْنَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ، اللَّهُمَّ نَقِّنِي مِنْ خَطَايَايَ كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْسِلْنِي مِنْ خَطَايَايَ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ”
“Allahumma ba’id bayni wa bayna khatayaya kama ba’adta bayna al-mashriqi wal-maghrib. Allahumma naqqini min khatayaya kama yunaqqa ath-thawbu al-abyadu min ad-danas. Allahumma ighsilni min khatayaya bil-ma’i wath-thalji wal-barad.”
Meaning: “O Allah, distance me from my sins just as You have distanced the East from the West. O Allah, cleanse me of my sins as a white garment is cleansed from dirt. O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail.”
12. Dua for Forgiveness After Tashahud Before Tasleem
Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to recite this Dua before Tasleem. By seeking forgiveness and mercy directly from Allah, we express total reliance on his divine grace, reinforcing the bond between Allah and us.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ، وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ”
“Allahumma inni dhalamtu nafsi dhulman kathiran wala yaghfiru adh-dhunuba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min ‘indika warhamni, innaka anta al-ghafur ar-rahim.”
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said to the Prophet, “Teach me an invocation with which I may invoke (Allah) in my prayer.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“Say: Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran wala yaghfirudhdhunuba illa anta, Faghfirli maghfiratan min indika war-hamni, innaka antalGhafur-Rahim.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Meaning: “O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and no one forgives sins except You. So forgive me with forgiveness from You and have mercy on me. Indeed, You are the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
13. Dua for Forgiveness After leaving a gathering
After leaving any gathering, it is recommended to recite the following Dua. This Dua is popularly known as Kaffaratul Majlis, a supplication recited at the end of a gathering to expiate for any unintended sins or idle talk during the gathering.
It’s a comprehensive supplication that involves constant acknowledgment of Allah’s greatness, expatiation of one’s bad deeds or talks, and a sincere effort to seek forgiveness and improve oneself.
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ”
“Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu alla ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayka” (Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise, I bear witness that there is no deity but You, I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You).
Meaning: “Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except You, I seek Your forgiveness, and I repent to You.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever sits in a sitting and engages in much empty, meaningless speech and then says before getting from that sitting of his:
‘Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except You, I seek You forgiveness, and I repent to You, (Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa biḥamdika, ashhadu an lā ilāha illā anta, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilaik)’ whatever occurred in that sitting would be forgiven to him.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
Final Thoughts on Dua for Forgiveness
Seeking forgiveness is a journey that requires sincerity, humility, and a genuine urge to amend our ways. Allah (Subuhanahu wa taa’la) is the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful, and He loves those who turn to Him in repentance. As He says in Surah Az-Zumar 39:53:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'”
Let us strive to incorporate these dua for forgiveness as a regular part of our worship and daily routines, constantly seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. May Allah (Subuhanahu wa taa’la) accept our supplications, forgive our sins, and guide us on the straight path. Aameen.
