Pronunciation: Astaghfirullaha Wa 'a-tu-boo i’laih
Meaning: I seek the forgiveness of Allah and I turn to Him in repentance
Virtue: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said, "By Allah, I seek forgiveness and repent to Allah, more than seventy times a day." He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, "O People, Repent" Verily I repent to Allah, a hundred times a day."
A Muslim’s faith may become weak and he may be overwhelmed by his desires. The Shaytaan may make sin attractive to him, so he wrongs himself (commits sin) and falls into that which Allah has forbidden. But Allah is Kind to His slaves, and His mercy encompasses all things. Whoever repents after doing wrong, Allah will accept his repentance, for Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
“But whosoever repents after his crime and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allah), then verily, Allah will pardon him (accept his repentance). Verily, Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful [al-Maa’idah 5:39]
Allah is Forgiving and Generous. He commands all His slaves to repent sincerely so that they may gain the mercy of Allah and His Paradise. Allah says: “O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will expiate from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)” [al-Tahreem 66:8]
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6307
