The Prophetﷺ taught Sayyidul Istighfar as a specific supplication for seeking forgiveness. It begins with: “O Allah, you are my Lord. You created me, and I am Your servant. I will remain committed to my covenant and promise as much as I am able…” The question arises, whether this supplication, which is taught in singular form, can be recited in plural form? Scholars explain that there are two types of supplications. The first type consists of supplications that were taught directly by the Messenger ﷺ of Allahﷻ in a specific wording. Such supplications should not be altered.
For example, when the Prophetﷺ taught certain supplications, he instructed that they should be recited exactly as he taught them. There is a narration in which a companion attempted to change the wording slightly by replacing the word “Prophet” with “Messenger.” Even though both words are correct linguistically, the Prophetﷺ corrected him and instructed him not to change the wording. This shows that when a supplication is taught by the Prophetﷺ in a specific manner, it should be recited exactly in that form.
Therefore, Sayyidul Istighfar should not be changed into plural form. Even if many people recite it together, each person should recite it individually as it was taught. These supplications are acts of worship, and acts of worship must be performed exactly as they were taught by the Prophetﷺ. Changing even a single word without necessity is discouraged.