Istighfar counter

Istighfar has a short form and a longer one. They aren't alternatives to pick between; they come from different narrations and sit in different places.

Because 100 is narrated. Sahih Muslim 2702 records the Prophet saying he sought Allah's forgiveness 100 times a day. That's a number from the text rather than a habit that hardened into one.

You'll also see 70 quoted. That comes from Sahih al-Bukhari 6307, where the wording is different and the figure is "more than 70 times". Two narrations, not one hadith with two numbers, and pages that merge them are the reason the confusion spreads.

IslamQA adds a point worth keeping: fixing a number for istighfar beyond what's narrated isn't obligatory. Count 100 if you want the narrated figure. Count without a target if you'd rather not think about a number at all.

The short form is said 3 times right after the salam, before the tasbihat begin. Sahih Muslim 591 gives that sequence, and it continues with the salam formula.

Most counters skip both and start at 33. The guided sequence on this site runs the whole thing in order, and shows you which narration each step comes from as you go.

Istighfar is the dhikr people repeat while walking, driving as a passenger, or lying down before sleep. The whole screen counts, so there's nothing to aim at, and a short vibration confirms each one with a double tick at every 33.

On a computer the spacebar counts. So does a Bluetooth page-turner pedal, which is the closest the web gets to counting with your eyes closed, because browsers reserve the volume keys for the system.

How many times should I say Astaghfirullah a day?

100 is the number in Sahih Muslim 2702, where the Prophet said he sought Allah's forgiveness 100 times a day. A separate narration in Sahih al-Bukhari 6307 mentions more than 70 times with a different wording. Those are two narrations, not one hadith with two numbers.

What is the difference between Astaghfirullah and Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh?

The first is the short form, seeking forgiveness. The second adds turning to Allah in repentance. The short form is what's said 3 times immediately after the salam of a fard prayer, from Sahih Muslim 591. The longer form carries the 100-a-day narration.

Do I have to say it 100 times?

No. IslamQA notes that fixing a number for istighfar beyond what's narrated isn't obligatory. The counter opens at 100 because that number is narrated, and you can change it or count with no target at all.

Can I say istighfar without wudu?

Yes. Dhikr with the tongue and the heart doesn't require wudu. Scholars differ on some specific acts, and for a ruling on your own situation the right step is asking a scholar who knows your circumstances.

Does the counter save my count?

Yes, on every tap. Closing the tab, losing signal or restarting your phone leaves the number where it was, because it's written to your browser rather than sent anywhere.