When reciting du'a with several repetitions, Muslims often use prayer beads (sobha) to keep track of the number of repetitions. Many simple phrases can be repeated to seek Allah's forgiveness in this way.
Du'a From the Quran
Waqur rabbighfir warham wa'anta khayrur rahimeen.So say, "Our Lord! Grant us forgiveness and mercy! For You are the Best of those who show mercy."
Quran 23:118
Rabbi inni zalamto nafsi faghfirli.
Oh my Lord, I have indeed wronged my soul!
Quran 28:16
Rabbana innana amanna faghfir lana zonoobana waqina 'athaban nar.
Our Lord! We have indeed believed. Forgive us our sins and save us from the agony of the Fire.
Quran 3:16
Rabbana latu akhitna in nasina akhta'na rabbana wala tahmil 'alayna isran kama hamaltaho 'alal lathina min qablina. Rabbana wala tohammilna mala taqata lana beh wa'fo'anna waghfir lana warhamna anta maolana fansorna 'alal qawmil kafireen.
Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error. Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us. Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who stand against faith."
Quran 2:286
Du'a From the Sunnah
Astagh firol lahal-lathi la ilaha illa howal hayyal qayyoma w'atooba ilayh.I seek forgiveness from Allah. There is no deity but Him, the Living, the Eternal. And I repent unto Him. (Recommended to repeat three times.)
Subhanakal lahomma wabihamdik. Ash-hado alla-ilaha-illa ant. Astaghfiroka w'atoobo-ilayk.
Glory be to You, Oh Allah, and all praise! I testify that there is no deity but You. I seek Your forgiveness and to You I do repent. (Recommended to repeat three times.)
