The 5th kalima, known as astaghfar, is a powerful way of seeking forgiveness. When a person truly feels bad about what they’ve done, it can bring peace of mind. A conscious, deliberate apology from the heart often relieves the emotional burden.
I’ve felt that weight too—when the past mistakes quietly accumulate and cause stress, anxiety, and regrets. These silent killers take a slow toll on the mind and body, affecting our ability to stay healthy and functioning. But when we become aware, sincerely repent, and let go, we begin to relieve ourselves and step into a stronger, free future.
Fifth Kalima: Astaghfar (Penitence) in Arabic
5th Kalima in English
“Astaghfirullah rabbi min kullay zambin aznabtuho amadan ao khat an sirran ao alaniatan wa atubu ilaihee min az zambil lazee aalamo wa min az zambil lazee la aalamo innaka anta allamul ghuyoobi wa sattaarul oyobi wa ghaffar uz zunoobi wala ha ola wala quwwata illa bila hil aliyil azeem”
5th Kalima in English Translation
“I seek forgiveness from Allah, my lord, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly, and I turn towards Him from the sin that I know and from the sin that I do not know. Certainly You, You (are) the knower of the hidden things and the Concealer (of) the mistakes and the Forgiver (of) the sins. And (there is) no power and no strength except from Allah, the Most High, the Most Great”.
5th Kalima in Urdu Translation
میں اللہ، اپنے رب سے ہر اُس گناہ کی معافی مانگتا ہوں جو میں نے جان بوجھ کر یا نادانستہ طور پر، چھپ کر یا” ظاہر طور پر کیا، اور میں اُس گناہ سے بھی اُس کی طرف رجوع کرتا ہوں جسے میں جانتا ہوں اور اُس گناہ سے بھی جسے میں نہیں جانتا۔ بے شک تو ہی چھپی ہوئی چیزوں کا جاننے والا، خطاؤں کو چھپانے والا، اور گناہوں کو معاف کرنے والا ہے۔ اور کوئی طاقت اور قوت نہیں مگر اللہ کی طرف سے، جو سب سے بلند، سب سے عظیم ہے۔”
The Importance of the Fifth Kalima (Astaghfar)
The Fifth Kalima teaches us to ask Allah for forgiveness and to repent for the sins we’ve done. It reminds us to be aware of our wrong things and sincerely return to our Lord. I’ve learned that making this dua regularly helps relieve the burden on my mind and soul.
A Way to Heal and Grow
When we seek repentance, it can set us free from the past and enable a strong, more healthy and functioning life. Over time, stress, anxiety, and regrets become silent killers that slowly accumulate and take a painful toll. But if we reflect, we begin to relieve ourselves, feel peace in our body and mind, and move toward a better future.
The Quran repeatedly tells believers to seek forgiveness and promises many rewards. It says Allah will send showers from the sky, increase your strength, and provide goodness and provision. Like a teacher in a tough school, we must not beat yourself up but learn, derive lessons, and supplicate with hope.
Astaghfar Tasbeeh Benefit:
The importance of asking Allah for forgiveness is deeply rooted in authentic hadith like Sunan Abi Dawud 1516, graded Saheeh by Al-Albani. The Prophet was recorded in a meeting where it was counted he said, “My Lord, forgive me,” hundred times. The Messenger who was guaranteed Jannah still asked for repentance repeatedly, showing how much we should value forgiveness.
Daily Practice and Reflection
As reported in Sahih Muslim 2702, Al-Agharr al-Muzani, one of the Companions, said the Holy Prophet would seek forgiveness a hundred times a day, even when he felt a shade over his heart. Regularly reciting the fifth kalima and other duas is a great supplication for seeking forgiveness, but action matters too. Show mercy, respect others, do good, and you will reap the benefit—this is the simple formula that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala wants from you and me to succeed.
Key Points to Remember
- The Prophet sought forgiveness hundred times daily despite being guaranteed Jannah.
- Sunan Abi Dawud, Sahih Muslim, and other hadiths emphasize repeatedly asking for forgiveness.
- Reciting the fifth kalima and making duas are important, but living a good, respectful, and merciful life is essential.
Astaghfar brings peace to the heart, cleanses the soul, and strengthens the bond with Allah.
Conclusion
The Fifth Kalima (Astaghfar) is a powerful reminder to seek forgiveness sincerely from Allah. By regularly reciting it and truly repenting, we can relieve the burdens of stress, anxiety, and regrets that quietly affect our mind and body. This practice not only cleanses the soul but also helps us grow stronger, healthier, and more peaceful in life.