KalamAstaghfirullah in Arabic
Astaghfirullah in Arabic is أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ (astaghfiru-llāh), meaning "I seek forgiveness from God." Muslims say it to repent, after prayer, and as everyday dhikr. A common longer form is أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ الْعَظِيمَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ (astaghfiru-llāha l-ʿaẓīma wa atūbu ilayh), "I seek forgiveness from God the Almighty and turn to Him in repentance."
Literally: “I ask God for forgiveness”
Astaghfirullah across the Arab world
Arabic changes from country to country. Here's what you'll actually hear.
The standard wording, the same in every country. Used in dhikr, duas and formal speech.
Same phrase; in casual speech many Egyptians pronounce it astaghfar allāh. Often said to reject something shocking or improper.
Levantineأستغفر اللهastaghfirallaSame phrase, often run together quickly. Also used to brush off an exaggerated compliment or a rude remark.
Gulfأستغفر اللهastaghfir allāhSame phrase and same uses. Very common in speech, often repeated quietly under the breath.
Other ways to say astaghfirullah
How to say it right
The sounds English speakers find tricky, and how to get them right.
Practise with feedbackThe غ (gh) in astaghfiru is like a French or German r, gargled lightly at the back of the throat: as-tagh-fi-ru.
Keep the s and t separate at the start: as-tagh, not "ass-tag." The stress falls on tagh.
The ẓ (ظ) in ʿaẓīm is a heavy, "dark" z or th sound with the tongue pulled back. Hold the long ī: ʿa-ẒĪM.
The l in Allāh is thick here because it follows u or a: astaghfiru-LLĀH.
Example sentences
I seek forgiveness from God the Almighty and repent to Him.
Standard (MSA)God forgive us, what kind of talk is that?
EgyptianGod forgive me, I didn't mean it like that.
LevantineGod forgive me, I forgot to pray Asr.
GulfUsing it like a local
Istighfār (seeking forgiveness) is a core part of Muslim devotion. After finishing each obligatory prayer, the Prophet would say أستغفر الله three times (Sahih Muslim). The Quran ties it to mercy and relief: "fa-qultu-staghfirū rabbakum innahu kāna ghaffārā", "I said: seek forgiveness from your Lord; He is ever Forgiving" (Surah Nuh 71:10).
In everyday Arabic, Astaghfirullah does a second job: it signals disapproval or shock. Someone tells an inappropriate joke, suggests something dishonest, or gossips, and a listener says astaghfirullah to distance themselves. It can also deflect a compliment that goes too far, as in "God forbid I'd think that of myself."
It is not used for a simple "oops" or "excuse me" in a non-religious sense; for bumping into someone, say عفواً (ʿafwan) or آسف (āsif). Many people keep a quiet count of istighfār on their fingers or prayer beads during the day.
Astaghfirullah: common questions
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What does Astaghfirullah mean?
أستغفر الله (astaghfiru-llāh) means "I seek forgiveness from God." It comes from the root gh-f-r, "to cover or forgive," which also gives الغفور (al-Ghafūr), "the All-Forgiving," one of the names of God.
When do Muslims say Astaghfirullah?
After making a mistake or sin, three times after each obligatory prayer, as daily dhikr, and in conversation when hearing something wrong or shocking. Some people also say it when they catch themselves complaining or speaking badly about someone.
What is the longer version of Astaghfirullah?
A common one is أستغفر الله العظيم وأتوب إليه (astaghfiru-llāha l-ʿaẓīma wa atūbu ilayh). A longer hadith wording adds "alladhī lā ilāha illā huwa l-ḥayya l-qayyūm," "besides whom there is no god, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer."
How do you spell Astaghfirullah correctly in English?
There's no single official spelling. Astaghfirullah is the most common; you'll also see Astagfirullah and Astaghfirullah al-Azeem. The Arabic أستغفر الله is what matters, and the gh represents the sound غ.
Related words & phrases
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