أستغفر الله
astaghfiru Allah
The English phrase 'sorry to Allah' is expressed in Arabic as أستغفر الله (astaghfiru Allah).
أستغفر الله is used as a formal prayer for repentance, but it also serves as a common exclamation. People often say it when they are shocked, annoyed or encounter something they perceive as sinful.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb أستغفر (astaghfiru) literally means 'I seek forgiveness' or 'I ask for pardon'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase أستغفر الله is in the first-person singular present tense, indicating that the speaker is the one performing the act of seeking forgiveness.
How do you pronounce it?
astaghfiru Allah
Did you know?
- The root of the word الله is shared with the Hebrew word 'Eloah' and the Aramaic alāhā, tracing back to a common Proto-Semitic origin.
- While it is a prayer for forgiveness, the phrase is frequently used as a social 'filter' to express disapproval of something without directly insulting anyone.
- In a heated argument, a speaker might use أستغفر الله to signal that they are consciously fighting the urge to say something rude.
Examples in context
- أستغفر الله على ما فعلت.astaghfiru Allaha 'ala ma fa'alt.I seek forgiveness from Allah for what I have done.
- أستغفر الله دائماً.astaghfiru Allaha da'iman.I always seek forgiveness from Allah.
- أستغفر الله من هذا الخطأ.astaghfiru Allaha min hadha al-khata'.I seek forgiveness from Allah for this mistake.
Example conversation
Ziad feels guilty after making a mistake and speaks to Mariam about it.
- زياد Ziadلقد أخطأت، أستغفر الله.laqad akhta'tu, astaghfiru Allah.I made a mistake, I seek forgiveness from Allah.
- مريم Maryamلا تقلق يا زياد، الله غفور.la taqlaq ya Ziad, Allahu ghafur.Do not worry Ziad, Allah is forgiving.
- زياد Ziadأنا أشعر بالندم حقاً.ana ash'uru bi-n-nadam haqqan.I truly feel regretful.
- مريم Maryamالتوبة دائماً مفتوحة.at-tawbatu da'iman maftuhah.Repentance is always open.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
