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Duas for forgiveness
November 17, 2024
Daily Givers: Ask for forgiveness, give with purpose
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.
Seeking forgiveness doesn’t always come easily. For many of us, even making daily istighfar can feel like a struggle. Not because we don’t care, but because we get distracted, overwhelmed, or feel unsure where to start. That’s where a simple habit like Daily giving can quietly help.
At its heart, Daily giving is about habit-building. It’s a tool to help us live according to our spiritual ideals. Not perfectly, but consistently. When the day is busy, or your energy is low, or you feel disconnected, that one daily act might be the rope that keeps your heart tied to Allah.
Daily giving helps make istighfar part of our daily routine
Each day, when your Daily Giving receipt arrives, let it be your cue. A nudge to pause for even a few seconds and say Astaghfirullah. That one moment can anchor a habit. Over time, this pairing of giving and seeking forgiveness can gently fold into your daily rhythm, without pressure or guilt.
Daily giving helps express remorse through small, sincere acts
If you’re carrying regret or seeking a fresh start, giving daily can be a way to act on that intention. It’s not about trying to make up for anything. Allah is al-Ghafoor, the Most Forgiving. But sometimes we need a tangible act to express what our hearts feel. This can be one of them.
Daily giving helps support personal seasons of tawbah
Maybe you’re in a reflective season. After a life event, during the sacred nights, or simply because your heart feels called to return. Daily Giving can be a steady companion during that time, helping you stay committed to your spiritual goals.
A gentle reminder
None of this is required. Allah’s forgiveness is not tied to how much we give. He is near, always. But if you’re seeking a way to return, to remember, or to rebuild, this might be one small way to begin.
Each day, when your Daily Giving receipt arrives, let it be your cue. A nudge to pause for even a few seconds and say Astaghfirullah. That one moment can anchor a habit. Over time, this pairing of giving and seeking forgiveness can gently fold into your daily rhythm, without pressure or guilt.
If you’re carrying regret or seeking a fresh start, giving daily can be a way to act on that intention. It’s not about trying to make up for anything. Allah is al-Ghafoor, the Most Forgiving. But sometimes we need a tangible act to express what our hearts feel. This can be one of them.
Maybe you’re in a reflective season. After a life event, during the sacred nights, or simply because your heart feels called to return. Daily Giving can be a steady companion during that time, helping you stay committed to your spiritual goals.
None of this is required. Allah’s forgiveness is not tied to how much we give. He is near, always. But if you’re seeking a way to return, to remember, or to rebuild, this might be one small way to begin.
The power of making istighfar
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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