Prayer for Forgiveness Islam
Many faith traditions include a formal or informal practice of asking for forgiveness, and Islam gives it particular weight through the practice of dua (supplication) and the concept of tawbah (repentance). Muslims believe Allah is infinitely merciful and that sincere repentance — regretting the wrong, stopping it, and resolving not to return to it — is always accepted. Istighfar, the practice of saying 'astaghfirullah' ('I seek forgiveness from Allah'), is prayed throughout the day, and the month of Ramadan is set aside in part for intensified repentance through fasting, prayer, and charity.
Judaism holds a parallel practice in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when Jews fast and pray for forgiveness for the wrongs of the past year. Hindu, Baha'i, Jain, and Shia traditions each hold their own distinct practices and prayers around repentance and forgiveness as well. This page offers a brief, respectful overview — not a substitute for guidance from within each tradition.
A Common Dua for Forgiveness (Istighfar)
"Astaghfirullah" — "I seek forgiveness from Allah." This short phrase is repeated often throughout the day, especially after a wrong word or action, as an immediate, simple form of seeking Allah's mercy.
The Sayyid al-Istighfar ("Master of Seeking Forgiveness")
A well-known prophetic supplication, traditionally translated: "O Allah, You are my Lord; there is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant, and I abide by Your covenant and promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me, and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for none forgives sins except You." Many Muslims recite it in the morning and evening as one of the most complete forms of seeking forgiveness.
A Quranic Prayer for Forgiveness
A prayer paraphrased from the Quran (3:147), recited by early believers after hardship in battle: "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses, make our feet firm, and grant us success over those who reject the truth."
A Note on Ramadan and Repentance
During Ramadan, the last ten nights — and especially Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree — are considered an especially powerful time for sincere repentance, with many Muslims increasing prayer, Quran recitation, and charity specifically to seek forgiveness.
Scripture to pray
And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins — and who can forgive sins except Allah? — and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.— Qur'an 3:135
Because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.— Leviticus 16:30 (Yom Kippur)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Islamic prayer for forgiveness called?
Broadly, it's called dua (supplication) paired with istighfar (seeking forgiveness). The short phrase 'astaghfirullah' is the most common everyday form, while longer supplications like the Sayyid al-Istighfar are recited at set times, especially morning and evening.
How does Ramadan relate to seeking forgiveness?
Ramadan is considered an especially concentrated time for repentance in Islam. Muslims increase prayer, fasting, charity, and Quran recitation throughout the month, with the last ten nights — particularly Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree — held as the most powerful time to seek Allah's forgiveness.
Do other religions have a similar day or prayer for forgiveness?
Yes. In Judaism, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is a full day of fasting and prayer set aside specifically for seeking forgiveness for the past year. Many Hindu traditions include prayers of repentance to a chosen deity, particularly around certain festivals. The Baha'i Faith includes daily prayers of repentance as part of ordinary devotional life. Jainism has a distinct practice called Pratikraman, a ritual of seeking forgiveness from all living beings, performed daily and especially during the annual observance of Paryushana. And within Shia Islam, the Day of Ashura and supplications such as Dua Kumayl carry additional emphasis on repentance and seeking Allah's mercy.