The Fifth Kalima, also known as Fifth Kalima Astaghfar (كَلِمَاتْ إِسْتِغْفَارْ), represents the act of seeking forgiveness. In Arabic, “Astaghfar” (استغفار) means penitence or repentance.
This Kalima is a prayer where the believer asks Allah for forgiveness for any sins or wrongdoings, whether done intentionally or unintentionally.
Each of the six Kalimas has a distinct purpose. For example, the second Kalima is about testifying to the Oneness of Allah (Shahada), while the third Kalima focuses on praising Allah’s greatness. Similarly, the Fifth Kalima revolves around penitence, where a person seeks forgiveness for all sins committed, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
The essence of the Fifth Kalima is to humbly ask for Allah’s forgiveness for past mistakes. Allah, who is all-knowing, is compassionate and ready to accept sincere repentance. He conceals our sins and wrongdoings despite being fully aware of them. However, repentance must come from the heart, with a firm intention not to repeat the mistakes in the future. Reciting the Fifth Kalima can help free us from our past sins and bring peace of mind.
Fifth Kalima Astaghfar
Arabic:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ رَبِّىْ مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْۢبٍ اَذْنَبْتُهٗ عَمَدًا اَوْ خَطَاءً سِرًّا اَوْعَلَانِيَةً وَّاَتُوْبُ اِلَيْهِ مِنَ الذَّنْۢبِ الَّذِیْٓ اَعْلَمُ وَمِنَ الذَّنْۢبِ الَّذِىْ لَآ اَعْلَمُ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوْبِ وَسَتَّارُ الْعُيُوْبِ وَغَفَّارُ الذُّنُوْبِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ الْعَلِىِّ الْعَظِيْم ؕ
Transliteration:
Astaghfiru-llāha rabbī min kulli dhanbin adnabtuhu ʿamadan ʾaw khaṭāʾan sirran ʾaw ʿalāniyyataw wa atūbu ʾilayhi minal dhanbi-lladhī aʿlamu wa minal dhanbi-lladhī lā aʿlamu innaka ʾanta ʿallāmul-ghuyūbi wa sattārul-ʿuyūbi wa ghaffāru dhunūbi wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil-ʿalīyyil-ʿaẓīm.
Translation:
I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all my sins, whether committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly. I turn to Him in repentance for the sins I know and those I do not. Surely, You are the Knower of hidden things, the Concealer of faults, and the Forgiver of sins. There is no power or strength except through Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
Importance of the Fifth Kalima
Seeking forgiveness is a practice that Allah appreciates, and He is always willing to accept the repentance of His believers. The Fifth Kalima serves as a sincere request to Allah for forgiveness for all sins, committed knowingly or unknowingly, with the confidence that Allah will accept the plea. It also acknowledges Allah’s all-encompassing knowledge and His mercy in keeping our sins hidden.
This Kalima reminds us that only Allah has the power to forgive and guide us on the right path. When recited, it serves as an admission of one’s mistakes and a promise not to repeat them, bringing both spiritual relief and peace of mind.
Reciting the Fifth Kalima Astaghfar
The recitation of the Fifth Kalima, like the other Kalimas, is a form of supplication. It can be read anywhere, anytime, and is a private matter between the believer and Allah. There are no specific restrictions on when or where it can be recited, though it may hold special significance when done in moments of self-reflection and remorse for past mistakes.
The most suitable time to recite the Fifth Kalima Astaghfar is when you feel a genuine sense of sorrow for your past wrongdoings. It is a personal moment to turn to Allah in repentance and make a firm intention to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future. Many choose to include this Kalima in their daily prayers or make it a regular part of their spiritual routine.
While the Kalima can be recited as often as desired, it is essential that the recitation is sincere, with a true commitment not to repeat the same sins. Making it a regular part of one’s daily supplications can have a transformative effect on the soul, helping to live a more righteous life in line with Islamic teachings.
Integrating the Fifth Kalima into Daily Life
The practice of seeking forgiveness, Astaghfar, is fundamental to Islam life. Confessing one’s sins to Allah and seeking His pardon can bring immense relief, as it lifts the burden of guilt and allows a person to move forward. The Fifth Kalima provides a structured way to make this repentance.
Regular recitation of this Kalima, coupled with genuine repentance and a commitment to improve, can profoundly impact a believer’s spiritual journey. It helps in aligning one’s life with Islamic values, ensuring a conscious effort to avoid sin and wrongdoings.
What is Astaghfar?
Astaghfar (استغفار) refers to the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah for one’s sins and mistakes. In Islamic teachings, it is a crucial practice where a believer admits their wrongdoing, expresses regret, and asks for Allah’s mercy. The word “Astaghfar” comes from the root “غفر” (ghafara), meaning “to cover” or “to forgive.” It signifies both seeking Allah’s pardon and protection from the consequences of sin. Astaghfar is not just a verbal act but involves sincere repentance from the heart and a strong intention to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
The act of seeking forgiveness plays a central role in a Muslim’s spiritual life. By acknowledging human fallibility, Astaghfar helps believers maintain humility and constantly strive for improvement. It cleanses the soul, removes the burden of guilt, and opens the way for a stronger relationship with Allah. Repeatedly seeking forgiveness is a way of showing devotion and recognizing Allah’s infinite mercy.
Astaghfar in Light of the Quran
The concept of Astaghfar is deeply embedded in the Quran, where it is often highlighted as a means of attaining Allah’s mercy, blessings, and protection from punishment. The Quran encourages believers to frequently seek forgiveness, assuring them that Allah is always ready to accept their repentance if it is sincere.
Here are some important verses from the Quran that shed light on the significance of Astaghfar:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:199)
Translation:
Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
This verse instructs believers to seek Allah’s forgiveness as part of their acts of worship, emphasizing that He is always ready to forgive.
2. Surah Al-Imran (3:135)
Translation:
And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allah?—and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.
Here, the Quran explains that true believers are those who, after committing a sin, turn to Allah in repentance and seek His forgiveness. It also reminds us that only Allah has the power to forgive sins.
3. Surah An-Nisa (4:110)
Translation:
And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
This verse reinforces that no matter how grave a person’s sins may be, they can always seek forgiveness, as Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are vast.
4. Surah Hud (11:3)
Translation:
And [saying], ‘Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, and He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day.’
In this verse, believers are encouraged to repent and seek forgiveness as a way to attain prosperity and avoid divine punishment.
5. Surah An Nasr (110:3)
Translation:
Then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.
This verse highlights that even after achieving victory or success, a believer should remain humble and seek forgiveness from Allah, acknowledging that He alone accepts sincere repentance.
6. Surah Al-Araf (7:23)
Translation:
They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.’
This verse narrates the repentance of Adam and Eve after their disobedience in the Garden, highlighting the human need for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
7. Surah Az-Zumar (39:53)
Translation:
Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’
This powerful verse encourages believers not to lose hope in Allah’s mercy, no matter how much they have sinned. It serves as a reminder that Allah’s forgiveness encompasses all sins for those who sincerely repent.
Key Points on Astaghfar from the Quran
- Allah’s Mercy is Limitless: The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that no sin is too great to be forgiven. Allah is described as “Ghafoor” (The Forgiving) and “Raheem” (The Merciful), and He welcomes those who turn to Him with a repentant heart.
- Astaghfar Brings Blessings: Seeking forgiveness not only cleanses one’s soul but also brings Allah’s blessings and provisions. In Surah Hud, Allah promises good sustenance to those who repent.
- Repentance Requires Sincerity: Astaghfar should come from the heart. True repentance involves feeling regret for the sin, resolving to stop the sinful act, and making a firm intention not to repeat it.
- Forgiveness for All Sins: The Quran assures believers that all sins, regardless of their nature, can be forgiven through sincere repentance.
- Consistent Practice: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for seeking forgiveness numerous times a day, even though he was free of sin. This underscores the importance of constantly turning to Allah, regardless of our status or deeds.
Conclusion
Astaghfar is a powerful spiritual practice that holds immense value in Islam. It is a way to cleanse the soul, seek Allah’s mercy, and draw closer to Him.
The Quran repeatedly encourages believers to seek forgiveness as part of their daily worship, ensuring that Allah’s mercy is ever-present for those who turn to Him sincerely. By regularly engaging in Astaghfar, Muslims can gain spiritual growth, inner peace, and the assurance that their sins will be forgiven, paving the way for a more righteous and fulfilling life.
