How to Perform Salat al-Tawbah: A Complete Guide to the Repentance Prayer

Salat al-Tawbah, or the Prayer of Repentance, is a Sunnah prayer that Muslims are encouraged to perform when seeking forgiveness from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for sins—whether done knowingly or unknowingly. This prayer expresses sincere regret and a commitment to leave behind sinful actions while returning to a path that pleases Allah.

As quoted from detik.com, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Whenever a person commits a sin, then stands, purifies himself, performs prayer, and asks Allah for forgiveness, Allah will surely forgive him." (Narrated by Muslim)

This hadith shows how powerful and rewarding Salat al-Tawbah is. Imam An-Nawawi also stated, “Repentance is an obligation upon every servant who has crossed the line.”

How Many Raka’ahs Should You Pray?

Salat al-Tawbah can be prayed in two or four raka’ahs (units of prayer), ending with salam every two raka’ahs. It's a meaningful opportunity to reflect, admit mistakes, and seek forgiveness sincerely from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

Niyyah (Intention) for Salat al-Tawbah

Before beginning the prayer, set your intention in your heart. Here is the Arabic niyyah for Salat al-Tawbah:

أُصَلِّي سُنَّةَ التَّوْبَةِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
Ushallii sunnatat taubati rak’ataini lillaahi ta’aalaa.
Meaning:
“I intend to perform two raka’ahs of the Sunnah prayer of repentance for the sake of Allah the Most High.”

How to Perform Salat al-Tawbah

Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing this special prayer:

Make a sincere intention.
Begin with Takbiratul Ihram (say “Allahu Akbar”).
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah.
Follow with any surah or verses from the Qur’an.
Perform ruku’ (bowing) with calmness.
Rise to i’tidal (standing after bowing).
Perform the first sujud (prostration).
Sit between the two sujuds.
Perform the second sujud.
Stand up for the second raka’ah and repeat the same steps.
After the second sujud, sit for tahiyat akhir (final sitting).
Close the prayer with salam.
After finishing, recite istighfar (asking for forgiveness).
Follow with a heartfelt du’a (supplication).

Du’a After Salat al-Tawbah

Here are the recommended supplications after performing Salat al-Tawbah, as mentioned in Buku Panduan Sholat Lengkap by Saiful Hadi El Sutha:

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ تَوْبَةَ عَبْدٍ ظَالِمٍ لَا يَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِهِ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا وَلَا مَوْتًا وَلَا حَيَاةً وَلَا نُشُورًا

Astaghfirullaahal ‘Azhiimal-ladzii laa ilaaha illaa huwal hayyul qayyumu wa atuubu ilaihi taubata ‘abdin zhaalimin laa yamliku li nafsihi dharran wa laa naf’an wa laa mautan wa laa hayaatan wa laa nusyuuran.

Meaning:
“I seek forgiveness from Allah the Almighty, there is no god but Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer. I turn to Him in repentance like a servant who has wronged himself, who has no power to harm or benefit himself, nor control over life, death, or resurrection.”

Next Du’a:

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ. خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَى صِدْقِكِ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ. أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Allaahumma anta Rabbii, laa ilaaha illaa anta. Khalaqtanii wa anaa ‘abduka wa anaa ‘alaa shidqika wa wa’dika mastatha’tu. A’uudzu bika min sharri maa shana’tu, abuu’u laka bi ni’matika ‘alayya wa abuu’u bi dzanbii, faghfir lii fa innahu laa yaghfirudz-dzunuuba illaa anta.
Meaning:
“O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant. I will remain faithful to Your covenant as best I can. I seek protection from the evil of what I’ve done. I acknowledge the blessings You’ve given me, and I admit my sins. So forgive me, for none can forgive sins except You.”

When Is the Best Time to Perform Salat al-Tawbah?

While Salat al-Tawbah can be performed at any time of day, there are five periods during which prayer is prohibited:

During sunrise
After Fajr prayer until the sun rises completely
When the sun is at its highest point in the sky (except on Fridays)
After Asr until sunset
Just before sunset when the sun begins to turn yellow

The most recommended time to perform Salat al-Tawbah is during the last third of the night, alongside Tahajjud. This peaceful time helps create a deeper spiritual connection with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

Benefits of Performing Salat al-Tawbah Regularly

Here are some key benefits of regularly observing Salat al-Tawbah:

Softens the heart and fosters forgiveness
Builds self-control over desires and emotions
Wipes away previous sins and protects from future ones
Draws you closer to Allah and His guidance
Brings inner peace and spiritual clarity

Conditions for a Repentance to Be Accepted

To ensure your repentance is accepted by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, the following conditions must be met:

Sincerity. Repentance must be purely for Allah’s sake.
Immediate cessation. You must stop the sinful act right away.
True remorse. Feel deep regret over your actions.
Firm intention. Make a strong commitment not to repeat the sin.
Righting wrongs. If the sin involved someone else’s rights, restore what’s due and apologize.
Before death. Repent before your soul reaches the throat.
Before divine punishment. Repent before Allah’s punishment arrives.
Before the Day of Judgment begins. When the sun rises from the west, repentance is no longer accepted.

Final Reflection

Salat al-Tawbah is a beautiful reminder of Allah’s endless mercy. No matter how far we stray, the door to forgiveness is always open—if we sincerely seek it. May this guide inspire us to reflect, repent, and return to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala with humility and hope.