When should I recite Sayyid al-Istighfar?

Recite morning and evening with full conviction. The Prophet guaranteed Paradise for whoever recites it with firm faith and dies that day or night.

Is Sayyid al-Istighfar authentic?

Yes. It is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 6306, making it one of the most authentic supplications in Islam.

Forgiveness Sahih al-Bukhari 6306 Sahih (Authentic)

Sayyid al-Istighfar — Master of Forgiveness Duas

The Prophet said: "Whoever recites this with conviction in the morning or evening and dies that day, will enter Paradise." The most superior way of seeking forgiveness from Allah.

Sayyid al-Istighfar — Arabic & Meaning

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ، وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ، وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

English Meaning

O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your servant. I abide by Your covenant and promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for none forgives sins except You.

Sahih al-Bukhari 6306 Sahih — Most Authentic

The Prophet's Promise

Guaranteed Paradise

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "If somebody recites it during the day with firm faith and dies on that day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise. And if somebody recites it at night with firm faith and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise." (Bukhari 6306)

When to Recite

Morning (after Fajr)
Recite with conviction — enters Paradise if death comes that day

Evening (after Asr)
Recite with conviction — enters Paradise if death comes that night

Benefits & Virtues

Direct Path to Paradise

The Prophet's explicit promise of Paradise for those who recite it with firm faith is unique to this dua.

Complete Acknowledgment

It combines Allah's Lordship, our servitude, gratitude for favors, and admission of sins — the perfect formula for forgiveness.

Protection from Evil

The phrase "I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done" protects from the consequences of past and future sins.

Related Duas