Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)

Istighfar (Arabic: استغفار) means "to seek forgiveness" and is the act of asking Allah for forgiveness for one's sins, mistakes, and shortcomings. The most basic istighfar formula is "Astaghfirullah" (I seek forgiveness from Allah) or the extended "Astaghfirullaha rabbi wa atubu ilayh" (I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, and turn to Him).

Istighfar holds a central place in Shia worship. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in Nahj al-Balagha: "I am amazed at the one who perishes while he has the means of salvation — istighfar." Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "If a servant sins, he is given a grace period of seven hours. If he says istighfar within those seven hours, the sin is not recorded" (Al-Kafi by Shaykh al-Kulayni, vol. 2).

The Quran repeatedly encourages istighfar: "And seek forgiveness from Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful" (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:20). And: "And those who — when they have committed a shameful act or wronged themselves — remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins. And who forgives sins except Allah?" (Surah Aal-Imran 3:135).

In Salat al-Layl (the night prayer), istighfar is recited 70 times as part of the Witr prayer's qunut, demonstrating the central role istighfar plays in the Shia night prayer. Du'a Kumayl, recited on Thursday evening, is in its entirety a profound istighfar supplication. The Prophet said: "I seek forgiveness from Allah 70 times a day" — and he was sinless, showing that istighfar is recommended for everyone, regardless of their spiritual level.