BITS OF EMAAN

Importance of Istigfar

An Interesting Story about the Istighfar

This story about "Istighfar" is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian. During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn't know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he hadn't introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn't been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal. On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker's) doorsteps. [Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7].

People often forget the importance of the simple yet powerful dua (supplication) - Istighfar i.e., saying"Astaghfirullah" (I seek forgiveness of Allah). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited this at least 100 times a day. Let us see the benefits and virtues of reciting this simple beautiful supplication insha Allah.

* Istighfar (Astaghfirullah) is the gateway of relief and happiness. Whenever you are in distress start reciting it and Insha Allah it will take you out of your anxiety and will put you in a peaceful situation and will give you happiness.

* Istighfar removes anxiety and duas are answered.

* Istighfar opens the door of sustenance.

* Istighfar opens the door of mercy.

* Istighfar opens the door of knowledge.

* Istighfar is also gateway of productivity.

* Istighfar relieves you. When you feel that sadness within you, when you are disturbed and frustrated, when anxiety surrounds you, say "Astaghfirullah" "Astaghfirullah"...

* Reciting Astaghfiruallah is an effective method of calming our self and wipes away the variety of worldly worries from our mind and body. It may also help us, if we are suffering from depression, it calm us and lessen our depression.

* Astaghfirullah also helps us to refrain from all forms of sins. Regularly saying this reminds us that Allah is everywhere and in this way there is very small chances of doing wrongful actions.

* Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

"If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not." [Abu Dawud].

* In another hadith, Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

"The one who (regularly) says Istighfaar, that is, frequently repent to Allah Ta'aala for sins committed, Allah Azza Wa-Jal will open a path from poverty and difficulties. All sorrow and hardship will be removed, and in its place prosperity and contentment granted. One will receive sustenance from unimagined and unexpected sources."

* Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said in another Hadith:

"The one who seeks forgiveness for Muslim males and females from Allah Ta'aala twenty six or twenty five times every day, Allah Ta'ala will count that person among those whose Du'a is accepted, and through the barakah of whom those on earth gain Rizq (sustenance)."

* Do Tasbih of Astaghfaar at least 100 times daily as it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

* In one minute, you can say "Astaghfiru Allaah" more than 100 times! The virtue of seeking forgiveness is well-known, it is a reason of obtaining forgiveness, entering Paradise, having good provisions, increasing one's strength, repelling harm, having affairs facilitated, the descent of rain, and increasing in wealth and children.

* The doors of repentance are always open therefore don't delay your repentance in a hope of tomorrow, as tomorrow is uncertain , Repent now and make it a habit to ask Allah's forgiveness by reciting "Astaghfirullah".

* Say I believe in Allah's mercy, I have sinned, I have gone astray, I have been negligent, but still I believe in Allah's soothing mercy and forgiveness, I'll not despair!

One of the 99 Names of Allah

is Al-Ghaffaar (الْغَفَّارُ) - The Great Forgiver The Forgiver, the One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.

So dont hesitate to ask forgiveness however big your mistakes may be.

Please read it and do practice.