Are there any special prayers of contrition Muslims recite for penance?

Yes, there are special prayers that Muslims can recite for penance and seeking forgiveness from Allah. One of the most common prayers for repentance is called "Istighfar". Istighfar is derived from the root word "gh-f-r" which means "to forgive". Muslims recite Istighfar as a way to acknowledge their sins, seek forgiveness, and express remorse. The most commonly recited phrase for Istighfar is "Astaghfirullah", which means "I seek the forgiveness of Allah". Muslims may recite this phrase individually or as part of their daily prayers.

In addition to Istighfar, there are other prayers that can be recited for repentance, such as the "Tawbah Prayer". This prayer involves performing two Rak'ahs (units) of voluntary prayer, sincerely seeking forgiveness from Allah, and making a resolution to avoid committing the same sin again.

It's important to note that while reciting these prayers is encouraged, true repentance in Islam involves not only outwardly seeking forgiveness but also making a sincere effort to change one's actions and behavior.