What is "istighfar"

Istighfar ( ), also Astaghfirullah ( ) is the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah. This act is generally done by repeating the Arabic words astaghfirullah, meaning "I seek forgiveness from Allah". It is considered one of the essential parts of worship in Islam.

A Muslim will use this phrase often, even in conversation with another person. When a Muslim abstains from doing wrong (such as experiencing envy, jealousy, pride, and haughtiness) or even wishes to prove their innocence in an incident, they will use this expression. After every salat (prayer), a Muslim will typically recite the phrase three or more times. Arabic-speaking non-Muslims such as Arab Christians sometimes also employ the phrase.