SAYYIDUL ISYIGHFAR (Chief of Istighfar/Penghulu Istighfar)
Sayyidul Istighfar, known as the "Chief of Supplications for Forgiveness," is a highly revered dua (supplication) in Islam, taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the most superior way to seek Allah’s forgiveness. Below is the du'a, its transliteration, translation, and key benefits based on authentic sources.
Arabic Text
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ، وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ
عَلَيَّ، وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي، فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Transliteration:
Allahumma anta Rabbi, la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana ‘abduka, wa ana ‘ala ‘ahdika wa wa’dika mastata’tu, a’udhu bika min sharri ma sana’tu, abu’u laka bini’matika ‘alayya, wa abu’u bidhanbi, faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta.
Translation
Meaning:
O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no deity except You. You created me, and I am Your servant, and I abide by my promise to You and Your promise to me as much as I am able. I seek refuge with You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favors upon me, and I acknowledge my sins, so forgive me, for none forgives sins except You.
Significance and Benefits:
Most Superior Istighfar: The Prophet (ﷺ) described Sayyidul Istighfar as the best way to seek forgiveness, as it encompasses acknowledging Allah’s oneness, servitude, gratitude for His blessings, and sincere repentance.
Guarantee of Paradise: According to a hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari, if someone recites this dua with firm faith in the morning and dies before evening, or in the evening and dies before morning, they will be among the people of Paradise.
Erasure of Sins: It seeks forgiveness for both major and minor sins, provided it is recited with sincerity and a commitment to avoid repeating the sins.
Spiritual Benefits: Regular recitation cleanses the heart, fosters humility, strengthens one’s connection with Allah, and brings inner peace.
Additional Blessings: It is believed to open doors to sustenance, protect from calamities, and attract Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Recommended Practice:
When to Recite: Ideally recite once in the morning and once in the evening, as part of daily dhikr, with full conviction and sincerity.
Sincerity: The dua should be recited with a repentant heart, acknowledging one’s shortcomings and Allah’s mercy.
Language: It can be recited in Arabic for maximum reward, but reciting in one’s native language (e.g., English) is permissible if done sincerely.
Source Context:
This dua is narrated by Shaddad bin Aws in Sahih al-Bukhari (6306, 6323) and other authentic collections, emphasizing its authenticity and importance.
Incorporate Sayyidul Istighfar into your daily routine to seek forgiveness, purify your heart, and draw closer to Allah.
