The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The most superior way of asking for forgiveness from Allah is: 'Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta. Khalaqtani wa ana `Abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa Wa'dika mastata'tu abu'u Laka bi ni 'matika wa abu'u Laka bidhanbi; faghfirli fa'innahu la yaghfiru-dh-dhunuba ill a ant a. A'uidhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu.' If somebody recites this invocation during the night, and if he should die then, he will go to Paradise (or he will be from the people of Paradise). And if he recites it in the morning, and if he should die on the same day, he will have the same fate."
Sayyid al-Istighfar: The Master Invocation for Forgiveness
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 6323 presents what scholars have termed "Sayyid al-Istighfar" - the Master Formula for Seeking Forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described this as the most excellent manner of seeking Allah's pardon, indicating its comprehensive nature and profound spiritual benefits.
Textual Analysis and Translation
"Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta. Khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu. A'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu. Abu'u laka bini'matika 'alayya, wa abu'u bidhanbi, faghfirli fa innahu la yaghfiru dh-dhunuba illa anta."
Translation: "O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise to You as much as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for indeed none forgives sins except You."
Scholarly Commentary on Key Phrases
"Allahumma anta Rabbi" - This opening establishes the fundamental relationship of Lordship and servitude, acknowledging Allah's complete sovereignty while affirming the speaker's total dependence.
"Khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka" - The recognition of creation and servitude forms the basis of our relationship with the Creator, reminding us of our ultimate purpose.
"Ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu" - This expresses commitment to fulfill our covenant with Allah to the best of our ability, acknowledging both our effort and our limitations.
"Abu'u laka bini'matika 'alayya" - The conscious acknowledgment of divine blessings cultivates gratitude and prevents the sin of ingratitude (kufr al-ni'mah).
"La yaghfiru dh-dhunuba illa anta" - This final phrase affirms the exclusive divine prerogative of forgiveness, eliminating any intermediary between the servant and his Lord.
Spiritual Benefits and Timings
The Prophet specified extraordinary rewards for reciting this invocation. If recited at night with sincerity and one dies before morning, they enter Paradise. Similarly, if recited in the morning and one dies that day, the same blessed fate awaits them.
Scholars explain that this guarantee applies to those who recite it with proper understanding, heartfelt presence, and true repentance - not merely verbal repetition. The timing significance indicates the importance of beginning and ending our day with this comprehensive seeking of forgiveness.
Practical Implementation
The classical scholars recommended making this invocation part of one's daily morning and evening remembrances (adhkar). Its comprehensive nature covers all essential elements of tawbah: recognition of sins, acknowledgment of blessings, affirmation of divine unity, and sincere request for pardon.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim noted that this invocation combines the highest forms of worship: declaration of Allah's unity, acknowledgment of His blessings, confession of sins, and seeking protection from evil deeds - making it truly the master of all seeking forgiveness.