To err is human. We have repeatedly heard this saying, which is probably why we often forget how to correct our mistakes. As Muslims, we must recognize our sins and repent. Through the Holy Quran and Ahadith, Allah (SWT) has provided us with several powerful prayers to seek forgiveness and mercy.
We must avoid the mistake of dwelling on our mistakes and losing hope in Almighty Allah’s Mercy.
The doors of repentance and Allah’s Mercy are always open. We shouldn’t only seek forgiveness for sins we’re consciously aware of. Rather, we must repent and seek mercy for the sins we have committed unknowingly, as well.
What are Islamic Duas for Forgiveness?
In our last post we talked about Forgiveness In Islam & Best Islamic Quotes on Forgiveness, today we shall focus on how this forgiveness can be asked for by the servants of Allah. Of Allah Almighty’s 99 names, Al-Ghafoor is mentioned many times in the Holy Quran. Its translation is The All-Forgiving. Al-Ghafoor and Ar-Raheem (Merciful) are the most common pairs of Allah’s (SWT) names. Through his words, Allah reminds Muslims of his Mercy and Forgiveness.
In one instance, Allah says, “Announce, (O Muhammad) to My slaves that verily I am the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Chapter Al-Hijr: 49)
All Muslims must account for their sins on the Day of Judgement. Thus, we must seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty so that He removes our misdeeds and increases our chances of entering Jannah. Although forgiveness depends on Allah’s Will, as long as there is hope, we must try. Repentance doesn’t only involve praying; it requires a firm resolve to do better.
Repentance is accepted if it is genuine and sincere. If a person is not ashamed of his misdeeds, it does not account for true repentance. Repentance is accepted until death approaches (when the soul reaches the throat) and until the sun rises from the West, after which it will no longer be accepted (Sahih Muslim 2703 and Jami at-Tirmidhi). You must not delay seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, and repent while you have time.
“Truly, Allah loves those who repent, and He loves those who cleanse themselves.” (Chapter Al-Baqarah 2:222)
↓ 12. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) dua for forgiveness
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to say the following while prostrating himself:
O Lord, forgive all my sins, small and great, first and last, open and secret. [Muslim:1/350]
↓ 11. Ayat e Kareema
“There is none worthy of worship besides You, You are far exalted, and above all weaknesses, Surely, I am from among the wrongdoers.”
Prophet Younus (AS) recited this prayer when he was in the fish’s belly. Ayat e Kareema (Quran 21:87) is a beloved dua of repentance. The Prophet (PBUH) said that no Muslim calls upon Allah with it except that Allah answers him (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3505). A narration promising the reward of a martyr for reciting it 40 times during illness is weak, so do not rely on it as a proven reward.
↓ 10. Surah al-Baqarah (2:286)
Surah Baqarah, the longest chapter in the Holy Quran, covers a vast range of topics.
Verse 286 of Surah Baqarah teaches that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity, and that each soul is accountable for what it has earned. It also contains the dua: “Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred”, asking for pardon, forgiveness and mercy. The Surah mentions that we will be rewarded in proportion to the good deeds we have done. This same principle also applies to punishment for our misdeeds. To seek refuge from Allah’s punishment, we must repeatedly make Tawbah and pray for Allah’s (SWT) clemency.
I also recommend that you go through these Beautiful Lessons From Surah Yusuf That Will Change Your Life.
↓ 9. Best supplication for seeking forgiveness
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that if someone recites Syed-ul-Istighfar during the day with firm faith and dies the same day, he will be among the people of Paradise. If someone recites it at night and dies before the next morning, he will be among the people of Paradise.
Shaddad bin Aus (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said that the Syed-ul-Istighfar is the best prayer for seeking forgiveness.
↓ 8. Praying for Allah’s (SWT) Mercy
As mentioned above, repentance must be sincere and should display humility. Besides seeking Allah’s Mercy, one should also pray for the abandonment of evil deeds.
Allah says, “And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death).”
↓ 7. Prophet Nuh’s (AS) prayer for forgiveness
↓ 6. Surah Al-A’raf, Verse 23
When Adam (AS) and Hawwa (AS) fell victim to Shaytaan’s evil whispering, they made this dua for repentance. As Allah is the Most Merciful, he accepted their repentance.
↓ 5. Dua for forgiveness and removal of misdeeds
Do have a look at these Duas of the Prophets for all Situations in Life.
↓ 4. Forgiveness Dua/Prayer from Hadith
According to Ibn Umar, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) recited this prayer 100 times in a single sitting. It asks Allah for forgiveness by praising Him, mentioning some of His majestic attributes.
↓ 3. Fifth Kalmah
When you sin, it disturbs the peace of mind. Thus, the only way forward is to seek Allah’s mercy through Astaghfar.
The fifth Kalmah also referred to as Astaghfar, is a conscious apology. It helps relieve one’s self from the guilt and burden of sinning.
The six kalimas are a popular teaching list in South Asia rather than a fixed set named in the Quran or hadith, but the istighfar words themselves are firmly rooted in the Sunnah. Sincere repentance brings peace to the heart, by Allah’s permission.
↓ 2. Prayer for repentance
Although quite simple, this is yet another powerful supplication for forgiveness.
↓ 1. Astaghfirullah Tasbeeh (100 times)
The power and benefits of reciting “استغفر الله” are innumerable. Its literal meaning is “I seek forgiveness from Allah.” It was the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) Sunnah to recite “Astaghfirullah” and “Astaghfir Allah wa atoobu ilayh” 100 times daily.
Furthermore, according to Hadith, the Messenger of Allah has asked us to recite Istighfar thrice, immediately after concluding Salah.
If you realize that you’re fallible and prone to making mistakes, you can make this short dua a part of your daily prayers. Astaghfirullah is among several duas that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to recite for forgiveness. Making istighfar a daily habit follows the Sunnah, is a means of Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, and helps keep the heart humble. See the benefits of istighfar.
Things To Remember When Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy:
- Before praying for forgiveness, it is important to inculcate the habit of gratefulness to Allah (SWT). Recount your blessings and bounties to remember Allah’s boundless favors.
- Perform your five daily prayers and communicate directly with Almighty Allah. Not only does it increase your closeness to Him, but it also brings forth peace of mind and heart.
- Perform Salat al Tawbah by offering 2 Nafl Rakah.
- Perform actions that are pleasing to Allah to strengthen your faith and to get closer to your Lord. The easiest way is to give charity and be kind to people.
- Regret sinning wholeheartedly and make Tawba sincerely.
- The feeling of remorse should be accompanied by an intention to refrain from sinning in the future.
- Allah (SWT) forgives those whom he chooses. Repenting does not guarantee Allah’s Mercy.
- Engage in frequent remembrance of Almighty Allah to avoid falling into desires and sins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dua for forgiveness?
The Prophet (PBUH) called Sayyid al-Istighfar the best way of seeking forgiveness (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). Any sincere dua of repentance is also valuable. See also the benefits of istighfar.
Does Allah forgive every sin?
The Quran calls on believers not to despair of Allah’s mercy (39:53), and scholars teach that sincere repentance is accepted by His grace. Rights owed to other people must also be returned or settled. Forgiveness remains with Allah.
What makes repentance (tawbah) sincere?
Scholars list stopping the sin, feeling regret, and resolving not to return to it. If another person was wronged, ask their forgiveness and restore what is owed.
Is Salat al-Tawbah required?
No. Two rakah of repentance prayer are recommended based on a hadith reported in Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi, but repentance is valid with sincere dua alone. Opinions differ on details, so ask a qualified scholar.
Can I recite these duas in my own language?
Making dua in any language is accepted by Allah. Reciting the Arabic wording of the Quranic and prophetic duas, with understanding, is recommended. For more, see duas of the Prophets.