Astaghfirullah Meaning

I seek forgiveness from Allah. The meaning, Arabic, when to say it, and its source in the Quran and Sunnah.

Astaghfirullah means “I seek forgiveness from Allah”. Saying it is called istighfar: asking Allah to forgive one’s sins and mistakes, big or small.

When do Muslims say Astaghfirullah?

• After a mistake or sin, as an immediate return to Allah.
• When hearing or seeing something wrong, as a reaction and a reminder.
• After every prayer: three times (see below).
• Throughout the day, as regular dhikr.

The Prophet’s practice

The Prophet ﷺ said: “By Allah, I seek Allah’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6307).

After prayer: three times

When the Prophet ﷺ finished his prayer, he would seek forgiveness three times, then say Allāhumma anta s-salām wa minka s-salām, tabārakta yā dhal-jalāli wal-ikrām (Sahih Muslim 591). The narrator explained that he would say “Astaghfirullah, Astaghfirullah”.

Longer forms

• Astaghfirullāha wa atūbu ilayh: I seek Allah’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance.
• Astaghfirullāhal-ʿAẓīm: I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Most Great.

Quran and hadith references link to quran.com and sunnah.com, where you can read the full text. Reviewed 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Astaghfirullah mean?

Astaghfirullah means “I seek forgiveness from Allah”. Saying it is called istighfar.

How many times should you say Astaghfirullah?

There is no upper limit. The Prophet ﷺ sought forgiveness more than seventy times a day (Sahih al-Bukhari 6307), and said it three times after each prayer (Sahih Muslim 591).

Is saying Astaghfirullah enough for repentance?

Sincere repentance (tawbah) involves regretting the sin, stopping it and intending not to return to it. Saying Astaghfirullah with a sincere heart is part of that.

When do Muslims say Astaghfirullah?

After a mistake or sin, when encountering something wrong, after each prayer, and regularly as remembrance of Allah.