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.
-
Root letters: غ-ف-ر (gh-f-r)
-
Verb form: أستغفر (astaghfir) – “I seek forgiveness”
-
Object: الله (Allah) – “from Allah”
The phrase can change slightly based on the speaker:
-
Astaghfirullah (أستغفر الله) – “I seek forgiveness from Allah” (most common)
-
Nastaghfirullah (نستغفر الله) – “We seek forgiveness from Allah”
Examples of “Astaghfirullah” in Arabic Sentences
-
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:
-
“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:
-
“Subhanallah” (سبحان الله) – “Glory to Allah” (used for praise, not forgiveness)
-
“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:
-
Daily repentance in Islam.
-
Understanding Quranic verses and Hadith.
-
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.
Discover the Quran and Arabic with Shaykhi Academy
We highly recommend Shaykhi Academy for anyone seeking to learn the Quran and Arabic with excellence. The academy is known for combining expert teaching with a compassionate approach, making it a top choice for students worldwide who want to connect deeply with the words of Allah.
At Shaykhi Academy, you’ll find highly qualified teachers who specialize in guiding learners of all ages and levels. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with Arabic letters or aiming to master Tajweed and Quran recitation, their personalized lessons ensure steady progress at your own pace.
With engaging classes, flexible scheduling, and a focus on both spiritual and linguistic growth, Shaykhi Academy makes learning both enjoyable and impactful.
Watch a sample class below to see Shaykhi Academy in action:
Want To Learn Arabic And Quran For You And Your Family?
Make your home a place of faith, understanding, and connection with the Quran. Whether you're starting from scratch or deepening your knowledge, Ustadh Ahmed Gameel is here to guide you — step by step. ✅ Tailored for all ages ✅ Clear, structured learning ✅ Flexible online sessions ✅ Book your free trial session now!
Learn More