Astaghfirullah — أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ — means “I seek forgiveness from Allah ﷻ.” It is a verbal act of istighfar — seeking divine forgiveness — and is among the most practiced of all the dhikr formulas. The Prophet ﷺ made it more than seventy times every single day (Bukhari 6307) — despite having his past and future sins already forgiven (Quran 48:2). His example establishes that Astaghfirullah is not only a response to specific sins but a continuous orientation of the heart toward Allah ﷻ.
What the Quran promises for istighfar
The Quran links istighfar directly to provision and prosperity: “Ask forgiveness of your Lord — He will send rain upon you in continuing showers, and give you increase in wealth and children, and provide for you gardens and rivers.” (Quran 71:10-12). And the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever makes istighfar regularly, Allah ﷻ will relieve him of every worry, provide a way out from every difficulty, and provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Abu Dawud 1518). These promises make Astaghfirullah not only a spiritual act but a practical one.
When Muslims say it
After completing prayer — the Prophet ﷺ would say Astaghfirullah three times immediately after finishing salah (Muslim 591). Upon waking. When committing or remembering a sin. Between other dhikr. After any gathering — “SubhanakaAllahumma wa bihamdika, ashhadu an la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk” is the kaffarat al-majlis (expiation of the gathering) said after any sitting, to seek forgiveness for any sin committed in speech during it. In modern usage, it is sometimes said upon hearing something shocking or offensive — though the correct Islamic use is as a request for forgiveness, not an expression of disapproval of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Astaghfirullah mean in English?
“I seek forgiveness from Allah ﷻ.” It is the verbal form of istighfar — the act of seeking divine forgiveness. The Prophet ﷺ made it seventy or more times daily (Bukhari 6307). The Quran promises that regular istighfar brings provision, relief from difficulty, and unexpected help (Quran 71:10-12, Abu Dawud 1518). Said after prayer, after gatherings, and continuously throughout the day, it keeps the heart oriented toward Allah ﷻ regardless of specific sins.
How many times should you say Astaghfirullah?
The Prophet ﷺ made istighfar more than seventy times daily (Bukhari 6307) — establishing it as a continuous practice rather than an occasional one. The minimum Sunnah is three times after each of the five prayers (Muslim 591). Beyond that, the more the better — the Quran specifically links regular, frequent istighfar to provision, opened difficulties, and unexpected relief.
The Prophet ﷺ said it seventy times a day — he, whose sins were already forgiven. He was showing you what the practice should look like. Start between each prayer. Build from there.