Astaghfirullah is an Arabic phrase that is commonly used by Muslims. It is an act of seeking forgiveness from Allah and is usually translated as "I seek forgiveness in God". The phrase is derived from the Arabic root غ-ف-ر, which means to cover something, usually with the intention of keeping it clean or protecting it from being stained. Astaghfirullah is considered an essential part of worship in Islam and is often recited as part of dhikr, which is the remembrance of Allah. The phrase can also be used in popular culture when seeing something wrong or shameful. It is an expression of guilt or shame.