Dhikr & Supplications
Sayyid al-Istighfar
Sayyid al-Istighfār
The "master of seeking forgiveness" — a comprehensive prayer taught by the Prophet; whoever says it with conviction and dies that day enters Paradise.
What is Sayyid al-Istighfar?
Sayyid al-Istighfar — "the master of seeking forgiveness" — is the most complete and excellent supplication for seeking Allah's forgiveness, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It gathers in a few lines the acknowledgement of Allah's lordship, the covenant of the servant, the seeking of refuge, the confession of sin, and the plea for forgiveness.
The Wording
The Prophet ﷺ taught: "Allahumma anta Rabbi, la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana abduka, wa ana ala ahdika wa wadika mastatatu. Audhu bika min sharri ma sanatu, abu'u laka bi-nimatika alayya, wa abu'u bi-dhanbi faghfir li, fa-innahu la yaghfiru-dh-dhunuba illa anta" — "O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant, and I keep Your covenant and promise as much as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me and I confess my sin, so forgive me, for none forgives sins except You."
Its Great Reward
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever says it during the day with firm faith in it and dies the same day before evening, he is among the people of Paradise; and whoever says it at night with firm faith in it and dies before morning, he is among the people of Paradise" (Bukhari 6306). For this reason it is one of the central parts of the morning and evening adhkar.
When to Recite It
- In the morning adhkar, once after Fajr.
- In the evening adhkar, once after Asr or Maghrib.
- At any time, as the finest way to seek Allah's forgiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the "master" of istighfar?
Because it is the most comprehensive and noble wording: it combines praise of Allah, acknowledgement of His favours, confession of one's shortcomings, and the plea for mercy, all in the words taught by the Prophet ﷺ himself.
How often should it be said?
It is recommended once each morning and once each evening, in line with the hadith, though there is no harm in repeating it. Reciting it with sincere conviction is more important than mere repetition.
Etymology & origin
Sayyid al-Istighfar (سيد الاستغفار) means "the master (chief) of seeking forgiveness". Sayyid means leader or chief; the phrase indicates that this is the most excellent and complete wording of istighfar, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari.
References
- Quran:
- 40:60, 2:186, 7:23
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 6306 (Sayyid al-Istighfar; whoever says it with conviction by day or night and dies is among the people of Paradise)
Related terms
Morning & Evening Adhkar
Sets of prophetic remembrances recited each morning and evening for protection, gratitude, and spiritual fortification throughout the day.
Dhikr
The remembrance of God through repeated words of praise, glorification, and supplication; commanded abundantly in the Quran and central to spiritual life.
Fajr
The dawn prayer, performed between the appearance of true dawn (Subh as-Sadiq) and sunrise; the first of the five daily prayers.
Istighfar
Seeking God's forgiveness by saying "Astaghfirullah" (I seek forgiveness from God); a means of erasing sins and opening provision.
Tawbah
Repentance — sincere return to Allah after sin: stopping the wrong, regretting it, and resolving not to repeat it; Allah loves those who repent.