The Meaning of 5th Kalma in English, Translation and Benefits

So far, we have discussed the significance of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Kalma. Today, we will shed light on the meaning of the 5th Kalma in English and will be discussing the benefits and virtues of reciting it.

We will try to keep this blog to the point and discuss the importance of the 5th Kalma in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadiths.

What is the 5th Kalma?

The fifth Kalma in Islam is often called ‘Astagfar,’ which means to repent from sins and seek forgiveness from Allah.

We all are human beings, and we commit mistakes and sins. However, Allah has allowed us to repent from sins with a pure heart and ask for his forgiveness, and he will forgive.

The 5th Kalma is based upon our submission of our will to Allah, and as a reward, all our previous sins will be forgiven.

5th Kalma Translation in English

Here is the exact translation of the 5th Kalma.

I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for 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 Kalma Transliteration in English

Here is the transliteration of the 5th Kalma in English for those of you who can’t read Arabic.

Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Dhambin Adhnabtuhoo ‘Amadan Aw Khata-an Sirran Aw ‘Alaaniyata-wn Wa-atoobu Ilaihi Min-adh Dhambi-l Ladhee A’lamu Wamina-dh Dhambi-l Ladhi Laaa A’lamu Innaka Anta ‘Allaamu-l Ghuyoobi Wasattaaru-l ‘Uyoobi Wa Ghaffaaru-dh Dhunubi Walaa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaahi-l ‘Aliyyil ‘Azeem.

5th Kalma in the light of the Quran and Hadiths

So far, we have established that the fifth Kalma in Islma is mainly based on asking for forgiveness from Allah. This message is given in several Surahs of the Holy Quran and mentioned in many Hadiths.

In Surah Nuh, the Quran tells the story of Prophet Nuh (PBUH) and the people who were not ready to believe in him or his message. He tried hard, but they refused to hear him and put their clothes over them to avoid him. Allah said to preach my message publicly and privately and tell them to ask my forgiveness, and I will forgive them and reward them with rain, rivers, gardens, and children.

Here is Surah Nuh Verse 10 & 11, which says to ask Allah’s forgiveness, saying, ‘Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, ˹for˺ He is truly Most Forgiving. He will shower you with abundant rain.

Asking for Allah’s forgiveness is also mentioned in Surah An-Nisa Verse 105 & 106, which says, “Indeed, We have sent down the Book to you ˹O Prophet˺ in truth to judge between people by means of what Allah has shown you. So do not be an advocate for the deceitful. And seek Allah’s forgiveness—indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Allah is great and will forgive you. This argument can be backed by the translation of Surah An-Nasr, which says, When Allah’s (ultimate) help comes and the victory (over Mecca is achieved), and you (O Prophet) see the people embracing Allah’s Way in crowds, then glorify the praises of your Lord and seek His forgiveness, for certainly He is ever Accepting of Repentance.

Seeking Allah’s forgiveness in Haj. Haj is an important pillar of Islam that purifies a person as if he or she had just been born. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 199 to ask Allah for forgiveness whenever you go to Arafat and beyond. Here is the complete translation, Then go forth with the rest of the pilgrims. And seek Allah’s forgiveness. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The Quran emphasizes repenting from sins and asking Allah’s forgiveness. Allah promises to forgive anyone who asks his forgiveness with a pure heart and will reward him with rain, rivers, gardens, and children. Therefore, we should recite the 5th Kalma to ask Allah’s forgiveness.

5th Kalma in Hadiths

Fifth Kalma gives us the message to ask Allah’s forgiveness. The same message has been given in several Hadiths. To get a better understanding of what are the benefits of 5th Kalma in the light of Hadiths here are some of them.

— All sins can be forgiven

Allah says that he will forgive anyone (believer) who will ask for his forgiveness and repent from sins. No matter what you have done in the past or how many times you have sinned, he will forgive you. Here is the Hadiths,

Narrated by Anas (RA) that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Allah, the Exalted, has said: ‘O son of adam, I forgive you as long as you pray to Me and hope for My forgiveness, whatever sins you have committed. O son of ‘Adam, I do not care if your sins reach the height of the heaven, then you ask for my forgiveness, I would forgive you. O son of ‘Adam, if you come to Me with an earth load of sins, and meet Me associating nothing to Me, I would match it with an earthload of forgiveness.”‘ — Riyad as-Salihin 442

— You should beg for forgiveness

Forgiveness should be asked from Allah in a way a bigger is asking for food. A Muslim should remember that it is only Allah who can forgive him or her for their sins. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) begged Allah for forgiveness.

Thawban reported: When the Messenger of Allah peace and blessings be upon him, finished his prayer, he would seek forgiveness from Allah three times and he would say, “O Allah, You are peace and from You is peace. Blessed are You, Majestic and Generous.” — Sahih Muslim 591

— Can I Pray for non-beliver’s forgiveness?

Sorry a person who does not believe in Allah can not be forgiven, therefore you should ask Allah to forgive a non-beliver. Although you can pray for them that they accept Islam, start believing in the unity of God and Muhammad (PBUH) as his last messenger.

People often give example of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) because he asked forgiveness for his father who was an idol worshiper. Here is a Hadith to clarify things.

Narrated by Ali (RA), “I heard a man praying for forgiveness for his parents who were idolaters, and I said: ‘Are you praying for forgiveness for them even though they are idolators?” He said: ‘Didn’t Ibrahim pray for forgiveness for his father?’ I went to the Prophet and told him about that, then the following revealed: And Ibrahim’s (Abraham) invoking (of Allah) for his father’s forgiveness was only because of a promise he (Ibrahim) had made to him (his father).” — Sunan an-Nasa’i 2036

The complete story is in Surah At-Tawbah where Allah has clearly mentioned not to ask forgiveness for polytheists. Verse 113-114.

Conclusion

For the Hadiths and the Holy Quran we can confirm the significance of asking forgiveness from Allah. The 5th Kalma is based on asking forgiveness and should be practiced by every Muslim.

What are the benefits of 5th Kalam?

Asking forgiveness on the sins we have committed only strengthen our relationship with him. Here are a few benefits of reciting 5th Kalma.

1. Spiritual Cleansing by 5th Kalma

Reciting the 5th Kalma helps in the purification of the soul. It allows Muslims to acknowledge their mistakes and seek forgiveness directly from Allah. This act of repentance is a way to cleanse the heart and soul from the burden of sins, leading to spiritual tranquility. You can also recite the 6th Kalma to purify your soul.

2. Strengthening Relationship with Allah

The act of asking for forgiveness is a demonstration of humility and submission to Allah’s will. It strengthens the bond between a believer and the Creator, reinforcing faith and devotion. This continuous effort to seek forgiveness is a way to stay connected with Allah and maintain a close relationship with Him. Beliving in the unity of Allah also helps in strengthening relatiohsip with him, the 2nd Kalma can also help in this.

3. 5th Kalma giving Mental Peace and Relief

Carrying the weight of sins can lead to feelings of guilt and distress. By reciting the 5th Kalma, individuals experience a sense of relief and mental peace. Knowing that Allah is Merciful and Forgiving, and that He accepts sincere repentance, helps in alleviating anxiety and stress associated with past wrongdoings.

4. Encouragement of Good Deeds

Seeking forgiveness is not just about repenting for sins but also about committing to better behavior in the future. Reciting the 5th Kalma encourages individuals to reflect on their actions and make conscious efforts to avoid repeating their mistakes. This leads to the cultivation of good deeds and positive habits.

5. Enhancing Social Harmony

When individuals seek forgiveness, they also learn to forgive others. This practice fosters a sense of empathy, compassion, and understanding among people. As more individuals embrace forgiveness, it leads to enhanced social harmony and stronger community bonds.

6. Eternal Rewards

Islam teaches that seeking forgiveness from Allah is not only beneficial in this life but also in the hereafter. Sincere repentance and regular recitation of the 5th Kalma can earn believers immense rewards and blessings from Allah, ultimately aiding their journey towards eternal salvation.

Wrap Up

We believe we have provided the best explanation of the 5th Kalma of Islam. We have discussed the meaning of 5th Kalma in English with complete translation, transliteration and virtues.

We have also provided references from the Holy Quran and Hadiths which back the idea of forgiveness.

FAQs

5th Kalma in Arabic