Sayidu-Al 'Istighfar

The Prophet Muhammad has taught us many words of repentance and it is good if we learn, understand, and use them. Of these one has been mentioned as Sayidu-Al 'Istighfar. A hadith explains its extra ordinary significance:
"If a believer says this with complete faith and sincerity in the morning and dies before that evening, he will enter paradise. If he says it during the night and dies before the morning, he will enter paradise."

 

O Allah! You are my Lord. There is no God except You.

Al-Lahumma 'Anta Rabbi La 'Ilaha 'Illa 'Anta
You created me and I am Your slave.

Khalaqtani Wa 'Ana `Abduka

To the best of my ability, I will abide by my covenant and pledge to You.

Wa 'Ana `Alaá `Ahdika Wa Wa`dika Ma Astata`tu

I seek Your protection from the evil of my own creation.

 

 A`udhu Bika Min Sharri Ma Sana`tu

I acknowledge Your favors to me and I admit my sins.

 

 'Abu'u Laka Bini`matika `Alayya Wa 'Abu'u Laka Bidhanbi

So please forgive me for no one can forgive sins except You.

 

 Faghfir Li, 'Innahu La Yaghfiru Adh-Dhunuba 'Illa 'Anta

This powerful du`a' is our daily pledge of allegiance. We will do well to memorize it in Arabic and never let a day or night go by without saying it with full consciousness