Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Istighfar (“the app”, “we”, “us”) is a free app for counting istighfar and dhikr and keeping each other accountable with friends. We built it as a sadaqah jariah, and we take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what we collect, why, and your choices.

Plain-English summary: We collect the minimum needed to run the app and your Circle. Your progress is only ever shared with friends you connect with. Your voice is processed on your device to count istighfar, and we never record, store, or upload audio. We don’t sell your data or show ads.

Who we are

Istighfar is operated by Epic Labs. Contact us any time on Instagram at @istighfar.app.

Information we collect

Account information

Your name and, for email sign-up, your email address.
For Sign in with Apple / Google: a unique identifier from that provider (and email if you share it). We never see your Apple/Google password.
A username you choose so friends can add you.

Your activity

Your istighfar counts, goals, streaks, and daily history, so the app works across your devices and your Circle can see your progress.
Your connections (friends) and the nudges you send or receive.

Approximate location (city-level only)

We determine your approximate location (at most your city, region, and country) to understand where our community is growing. This comes from your IP address and, only if you grant permission, your device’s approximate location.
We do not collect or store precise GPS coordinates. You can decline location access and the app works fully.

Notifications

A push notification token, so friends can send you a “lock in” reminder.

Microphone / voice (voice counting)

When you use Count by voice, the app uses your microphone and your device’s built-in speech recognition to detect your istighfar.
We never record, store, or transmit your audio. Recognition happens on your device; the app only receives text to count your istighfar, then discards it.

We do not collect contacts, photos (unless you choose a profile photo in a future update), browsing history, or advertising identifiers.

How we use your information

To provide the app and your account.
To power your Circle, showing your progress to connected friends and delivering nudges.
To send reminders you’ve enabled.
To understand, in aggregate, where our community is (city-level analytics).
To keep the service secure and prevent abuse.

We do not sell your data, and we do not use it for third-party advertising.

How your information is shared

With your friends: your name, username, and daily progress are visible only to people you’ve connected with. There is no public feed.
Service providers: Apple and Google (sign-in), Expo (push notifications), Render (hosting), and an IP-geolocation service (city-level location).
Legal: we may disclose information if required by law.

Data retention and deletion

We keep your information while your account is active. You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by messaging us on Instagram at @istighfar.app; we’ll remove it within a reasonable period.

Security

We protect your data with industry-standard measures (encrypted connections, hashed passwords, access controls). No system is perfectly secure, but we work to safeguard your information.

Children

Istighfar is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect information from them. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we’ll remove it.

Your choices

Decline microphone, notification, or location permissions at any time in your device Settings.
Choose what name/username to share.
Request your data or account deletion by messaging us on Instagram at @istighfar.app.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy. We’ll revise the “Last updated” date above and, for significant changes, notify you in the app.

Contact

Questions? Message us on Instagram at @istighfar.app. May Allah accept it from us all.