What Astaghfirullah Means and Why It’s Important to Muslims

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Learn how to ask Allah for forgiveness by making Istighfar

Co-authored by Belal Elkadri and Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: September 11, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Meaning
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• Usage
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• Importance
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• Benefits
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• Astaghfirullah Al Azeem
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• Video

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If you’ve seen or heard someone say “Astaghfirullah” recently, you might be wondering what it means. This Arabic phrase is most commonly said when a Muslim seeks forgiveness from Allah. It might also be used as a slang term in Arabic-speaking places, similar to the exclamation, “Jesus Christ!” Keep reading to learn all about this phrase, including when to use it and why it’s beneficial to recite daily.

The Meaning of Astaghfirullah

“Astaghfirullah” means “I seek forgiveness from Allah,” and is recited to ask Allah for His mercy and forgiveness for your sins. It’s also used in Arabic-speaking cultures to protect yourself from arrogance when someone compliments you or to express disapproval or shame for something that someone else did.

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Section 1 of 5:

Astaghfirullah Meaning

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1. 
   Astaghfirullah means “I seek forgiveness from Allah.” Muslims typically recite this phrase as part of Dhikr to ask Allah for forgiveness for past, present, and future sins. It’s also used colloquially as an expression of shame when you see something wrong.

   • “Astaghfiru” comes from the Arabic root “غ-ف-ر” which means “to cover something,” usually to keep it clean or protect it from stains.
   • “Istighfar” is the act or concept of seeking forgiveness, while “Astaghfirullah” is the specific phrase used to ask Allah for forgiveness.
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Section 2 of 5:

When to Use Astaghfirullah

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   Say “Astaghfirullah” after committing a sin. Saying “Astaghfirullah” is one of the steps for repentance after committing minor or major sins. Asking Allah for your forgiveness also creates a shield that protects you from repeating the same mistakes and committing further sins.
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   Repeat “Astaghfirullah” when you wrong others. When you make a mistake that harms another person, it’s best to apologize and seek their forgiveness, too. Before you say “Astaghfirullah” to Allah, try to straighten out the situation and resolve not to make the same mistake again.

   • Allah may not forgive you until the person you’ve wronged has forgiven you. If you never have a chance to ask for their forgiveness, make dua for them daily.
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   Recite “Astaghfirullah” to alleviate anxiety and guilt. Allah wants to forgive you and promises unlimited mercy. When you feel regret or fear about doing wrong, saying “Astaghfirullah” over and over is a way to lift that heavy feeling from your shoulders and move forward.
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   Use the slang form of “Astaghfirullah” to express disapproval or shame. In some Arabic-speaking cultures, someone might say “Astaghfirullah” when something unfortunate happens or someone does something wrong.

   • “Astaghfirullah, your room is a mess!”
   • “They forgot to put lemon in my tea. Astaghfirullah!”
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   Say “Astaghfirullah” when someone praises you for something. Although celebrating your success and wealth is appreciating all that Allah has given you, saying “Astaghfirullah” can be a way to ask forgiveness for any arrogance (or false pride) that you may express. When someone compliments you, say “Astaghfirullah” to seek Allah’s forgiveness.

   • Them: “Your presentation was so good! You’re so smart!”
     You: “Astaghfirullah, Allah has given me everything that got me here.”
   • Them: “Congratulations on your new job! You’re such a hardworking person.”
     You: “Yes, I’m so lucky! Astaghfirullah.”
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   Recite “Astaghfirullah” 100 times a day as a form of dhikr. The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said “Sometimes I perceive a veil over my heart, and I supplicate Allah for forgiveness a hundred times in a day” (Book 19, Hadith 1). Reciting “Astaghfirullah” 100 times a day follows in the path of the Prophet and cleanses yourself daily.

   • The Prophet dedicated time to dhikr after his daily prayers, turning it into a habit of repentance.
   • While making dhikr, think about what you’re asking to be forgiven for and allow yourself to feel regret for what you’ve done.
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Section 3 of 5:

Why is Istighfar important?

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1. 
   Forgiveness is one of the essential parts of Islamic worship. Allah knows you are human and will make mistakes, and allows you to repent before the Day of Judgement. Repeating “Astaghfirullah” and other forgiveness duas allows you to repent for all sins, known and unknown, major and minor.

   • The story of Adam and Eve (Hawa) illustrates the importance of repentance. After being lured by Shaytan to eat from the forbidden tree, Adam and Eve recognized their mistake and repented, which earned them Allah’s forgiveness and guidance.

Section 4 of 5:

Benefits of Reciting Astaghfirullah

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   Astaghfirullah relieves you from guilt and anxiety. Saying “Astaghfirullah” can alleviate any feelings of regret, depression, or worry that you feel from past mistakes. When you’re weighed down by emotions or sins, seek Allah’s forgiveness to cleanse your soul and make you feel better.

   • Asking for forgiveness from Allah can also increase the likelihood that your other duas will be answered.
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   Seeking forgiveness strengthens your connection to Allah. Saying phrases like “Astaghfirullah” to ask for Allah’s mercy is an act of obedience that strengthens the spiritual connection between you and Allah. As long as you’re sincere in committing yourself to Allah, He will forgive you no matter what sin you’ve committed.

   • By repeating this phrase 100 times each day, you also follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
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   Asking Allah for forgiveness purifies and protects you from sin. Saying “Astaghfirullah” is not just about seeking forgiveness for sins, but purifying your intentions and expressing remorse to prevent yourself from making the same mistakes. Therefore, seeking forgiveness is also a way to protect you from present and future sins.
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   Saying “Astaghfirullah” fosters humility and self-discipline. Everyone makes mistakes and is in need of Allah’s mercy and guidance. By asking Allah’s forgiveness, you demonstrate humbleness and a desire for spiritual growth. When you ask for forgiveness daily, you develop a greater sense of awareness of your mistakes and a need to always do the right thing.

   • This way, the guilt and shame you feel becomes a step towards progress and self-improvement.
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Section 5 of 5:

Astaghfirullah Al Azeem Meaning

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1. 
   “Astaghfirullah Al Azeem” means “I seek forgiveness from Allah the Mighty.” This phrase is similar to “Astaghfirullah,” except that it adds one of Allah’s names to the end. By reciting “Astaghfirullah Al Azeem,” you acknowledge that there is no obstacle or dream too large that Allah can’t affect.

   • In the Qur’an, “Azeem” is also used to describe the Qur’an, the throne, the Day of Judgement, and trials of the children of Israel, and Prophet Muhammed’s character (peace be upon him).

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