The Word "Astaghfirullah" Meaning in Arabic With Examples
The Arabic phrase “Astaghfirullah” (أستغفر الله) is common in Islamic culture and daily speech. It holds deep religious meaning and is often used to seek forgiveness from Allah. This article explains the meaning, linguistic roots, Quranic significance, and proper usage of “Astaghfirullah.”
The Meaning of “Astaghfirullah” in Arabic
“Astaghfirullah” translates to “I seek forgiveness from Allah” in English. It comes from the root غ-ف-ر (gh-f-r), which relates to covering or forgiving. The pronunciation is “as-tagh-fir-ul-lah” with emphasis on the “gh” sound.
Muslims say this phrase to repent for mistakes or sins, showing remorse and asking Allah for mercy.
Linguistic Root and Grammatical Usage
The word “Astaghfirullah” is derived from the verb “istighfar” (استغفار), meaning seeking forgiveness. It follows the Form X Arabic verb pattern (استفعال), which often indicates seeking or requesting something.
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Root letters: غ-ف-ر (gh-f-r)
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Verb form: أستغفر (astaghfir) – “I seek forgiveness”
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Object: الله (Allah) – “from Allah”
The phrase can change slightly based on the speaker:
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Astaghfirullah (أستغفر الله) – “I seek forgiveness from Allah” (most common)
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Nastaghfirullah (نستغفر الله) – “We seek forgiveness from Allah”
Examples of “Astaghfirullah” in Arabic Sentences
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أستغفر الله على ما فعلت.
“Astaghfirullah ala ma fa’altu.”
“I seek forgiveness from Allah for what I did.” -
يجب أن نقول أستغفر الله عند الخطأ.
“Yajibu an naqula astaghfirullah inda al-khata.”
“We should say ‘Astaghfirullah’ when we make a mistake.” -
قال الرسول ﷺ: “أستغفر الله في اليوم مائة مرة.”
“Qala al-rasool (peace be upon him): ‘Astaghfirullah fee al-yawmi mi’ata marra.'”
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘I seek forgiveness from Allah 100 times a day.'”
Cultural or Quranic Significance of “Astaghfirullah”
“Astaghfirullah” appears in the Quran and Hadith frequently. The Quran encourages seeking forgiveness:
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“And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 73:20)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized saying “Astaghfirullah” regularly to purify the heart and erase sins.
Common Misunderstandings or Mistakes
Some learners confuse “Astaghfirullah” with similar phrases like:
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“Subhanallah” (سبحان الله) – “Glory to Allah” (used for praise, not forgiveness)
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“Alhamdulillah” (الحمد لله) – “Praise be to Allah” (thanksgiving, not repentance)
Another mistake is mispronouncing “Astaghfirullah” as “Astafirullah” (أستفِر الله), which changes the meaning.
Why You Should Learn “Astaghfirullah”
Learning “Astaghfirullah” helps in:
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Daily repentance in Islam.
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Understanding Quranic verses and Hadith.
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Improving Arabic vocabulary for religious contexts.
Conclusion
“Astaghfirullah” is a powerful Arabic phrase meaning “I seek forgiveness from Allah.” It has deep roots in Islamic teachings and daily worship. By using it correctly, Muslims seek repentance, and Arabic learners gain insight into religious language. Understanding this phrase improves both spiritual practice and language skills.
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