Power of “Istighfar” (A moving story about

seeking Allah’s forgiveness)

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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. Imam Ahmed is also considered to
be the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and is one of the most
celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred to as the “Sheikh ul-Islam” or the “Imam of Ahl
al-Sunnah.”

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 (seek 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.

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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]

This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently.
Let’s remember that the prophet used to say Istighfar frequently during the day.

afseer Al-Qurtubi states:

A man complained to Al-Hasan about a drought, and he said to him: “Pray to Allah for
forgiveness.”

Another man complained to him of poverty and he said to him: “Pray to Allah to forgive
you.”

Another man said to him: “Pray to Allah to bless me with a child.” He said: “Pray to Allah
for forgiveness.”

Another complained to him that his garden was dry. He said to him: “Pray to Allah for
forgiveness.”

He was asked about it and he said: “This is not my personal opinion, for Allah says in
Surah Nooh (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is
Oft Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase in wealth and
children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” Tafseer Al-Qurtubi
(18/301-302)

The following are the verses of Surah Nuh from the Noble Quran.

And said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.

He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers
And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for
you rivers.

One of the narrators of a Hadith was asked about the manner in which forgiveness is to be
sought, to which he answered: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)
used to say: ‘Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech
Allah for forgiveness)’.” [Sahih Muslim].

Power of Istighfar

People often forget the importance of the simple yet powerful Dua Istighfar i.e.,
saying “Astaghfirullah”. It is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (SAW) to seek Istighfar 100
times daily. In the Holy Quran, Istighfar is seen as portraying the strength and support of
Allah which leads to attaining closeness to Allah and redemption. The Holy Quran states:
“But surely the righteous will be in the midst of gardens and springs, receiving what the
Lord will give them; for they used to do good before that. They used to sleep but a little
of the night; and at the dawn of the day they sought forgiveness…” (Quran, 51:16-19)

From the above verse, we can conclude that we should always seek forgiveness and try to do
best for getting the pleasure of Almighty Allah because Istighfar is one of the righteous deeds
and is the recipient of countless blessings. In another verse, Allah Almighty says: “Truly,
Allah loves those who repent, and He loves those who cleanse themselves.” (Quran,
2:222)

We do Istighfar not necessarily after committing a sin or an act of disobedience to Almighty

Allah but is also includes our shortcomings. Allah loves those who seek forgiveness and
repent and make them clean from sins by seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Istighfar is also a
means of building up that awareness of Allah and strengthening our relationship with Him.
We turn to no one except Allah in repentance. We confess our deepest errors, shortcomings,
failures, and sins to Him and we ask forgiveness from Him alone by doing Istighfar.

Benefits of Istighfar from Quran

As we know the importance of Istighfar now let’s discuss some virtues and benefits of
reciting the simple and beautiful supplication that is “Astaghfirullah”.

 Get Dignity (Grace) from Almighty Allah: Grace is the most important thing that
we need to do something or for doing some activities. Without Allah’s grace, all of
our doings will be not accepted by Allah Almighty and they will be useless. In Holy
 Quran, Allah Almighty stated: “And that “Seek forgiveness (of) your Lord and
turn in repentance to Him, He will let you enjoy a good for a term appointed.
And give (to) every owner (of) grace His Grace. But if you turn away then
indeed, I fear for you (the) punishment (of) a Great Day.”(Quran, 11:3). From this
verse we conclude that if we seek Allah’s forgiveness and do good deeds then we get
His grace otherwise we will get punished on the Day of Judgment.
 Give Joy and Rizq to the Prayer: Muslim who always does Istighfar will be happy
in his life because there are pleasures and rizq that will come to him. The life will
become easier and he will welcome every day with happiness. Istighfar opens the
door of sustenance. Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever is always in the state of affairs,
then Allah will give the joy of sadness, and the spaciousness of its narrowness
and give it the rizq from an unexpected direction.” (Ibn Majah)
 Avoid Punishment: A person who constantly and regularly does Istighfar will be
forgiven by Allah Almighty. Allah will not punish the people who always do
Istighfar. The Istighfar that we rejoin with a great deal of appreciation and guilty will
also be able to withstand the coming of suffering and failure. Allah says in Holy
Quran: “But not is (for) Allah that He punishes them while you (are) among
them, and not is Allah the One Who punishes them while they seek
forgiveness.”(Quran, 8:33). So we can say that Istighfar opens the door of mercy.
 From Istighfar one can improve himself: We as a human often make mistakes, are
often tempted, often neglectful of established rules. Human should be punished for the
misdeeds, but Allah delayed the punishment to the Hereafter. Before the deadline that
is the Day of Judgment, humans are given the opportunity to improve themselves by
repenting. In the first step of self-improvement, he emphasized the need for self-
approach which is called Istighfar. 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 are very small chances of doing wrongful actions. So from Istighfar, we
can improve ourselves by staying away from bad deeds and doing righteous deeds.
 Increase in Wealth, Children and Pleasure: In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says:
“Ask forgiveness (from) your Lord. Indeed, He is Oft-Forgiving. He will send
down (rain from) the sky upon you (in) abundance, And provide you with wealth
and children, and make for you gardens and make for you rivers.”(Quran, 71:10-
12). In this verse, Allah Almighty is promising us that wealth comes with Istighfar, as
does children. Istighfar will open the doors that have been closed until today. Wealth
and children come from Allah and it is in turning to Him that we will get them, not in
turning away from Him. So it means Istighfar is the gateway to productivity.
 A ticket to the Heaven (Paradise): Allah has promised and guaranteed a place in the
heaven (paradise) for His servants who always do Istighfar. This shows the most
important of Istighfar because every Muslim’s dream is to go to the heaven after the
death.
 Give strength to the prayer: Allah promises those who do Istighfar regularly to give
a good life continuously throughout the life of the world until it comes to an end and
gives various advantages and benefits to those who always Istighfar and begs from
Him. We will get more spirit and strength by saying Istighfar every day.

We need Istighfar to constantly purify and cleanse our heart. We are not born in sin, but we
are born in weakness. We are prost

rate to fall prey to the many fascinations that are part of our test in this life. And when we fall
in these provocations and commit sins it takes us far away from our Lord. But there is a hope
for those who want to seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah and the best is by doing
Istighfar. The one who does Istighfar and admits his weakness to Allah becomes nearer to
Him. May Allah gives us the strength to seek forgiveness of our sins that we did and also
give us the strength to do righteous deeds, Ameen!

The Power of Istighfar – Astaghfirullah (I

seek forgiveness of Allah)
181 Comments

Author: Bava

People often forget the importance of the simple yet powerful dua (supplication) – Istighfar
i.e., saying “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness of Allah). It is the Sunnah of our beloved
Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬to seek istighfaar 100 times daily. If Prophet Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬, the man to whom
the Jannah is guaranteed, seeks forgiveness of Allah at least 100 times a day, where do our
chances lie to get Jannah? !

Let us see the benefits and virtues of reciting this simple beautiful supplication inShaAllah.

 Istighfar (Astagfirullah) 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 (‫ )ﷺ‬said,

“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 (‫ )ﷺ‬said:
 “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 (‫ )ﷺ‬has 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
(‫)ﷺ‬.
 In one minute, you can say “Astaghfirullah” 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!

Importance of Istighfar from the Quran:

One of the 99 Names of Allah is Al-Ghaffaar (ُ‫ – )ا ْلغَفَّار‬The Great Forgiver The Forgiver,
the One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again. There are numerous verses
in the Quran about the importance of asking for forgiveness of Allah SWT. Here are few of
them:

And (commanding you): “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance,
that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding
Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving,
physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear
for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). [Hud 11:3]

Declare (O Muhammad SAW) unto My slaves, that truly, I am the Oft-Forgiving, the Most-
Merciful. [Al-Hijr 15:49]

Then, verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allâh) in
ignorance and afterward repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter, (to such)
is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [An-Nahl 16:119]

Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is
Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in
repentance. [Al-Isra 17:25]
And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and
associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains
constant in doing them, (till his death). [Ta-Ha 20:82]

And say (O Muhammad SAW): “My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of
those who show mercy!” [Al-Mumenoon 23:118]

Need more verses? Read the Quran! There are plenty of verses about the importance of
seeking forgiveness. Some verses are addressing the previous Prophets and their people. But
these are again addressing us since Allah SWT wants us to learn from the story of previous
people – His acceptance of forgiveness from them and His severe punishments for the
ignorant groups. So did you say “Astagfirullah” (I seek forgiveness of Allah) 100 times
today? 🙂

Source: The Quran, Authentic Hadiths and Productive Muslim.

More Links on Istighfar:

 Duas for Forgivness – Istighfar

 Istighfar: Seeking Forgiveness from Allah
 Forgiveness (duas.com)
 Forgiveness, Repentance (azkaar.com)

Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) says in the Quran:

{I told my people ‘say Astaghfirullah, turn to Allah, ask Allah for forgiveness.}

See the same statement we are saying today. What is the model of today’s message:
“Astaghfirullah”. Seek Allah’s forgiveness, that is the model. So he told his people the same
thing and then he explained to them why he’s saying that.

Why am I saying “Say Astaghfirullah”?

1- Forgiveness

Because Allah is very forgiving. You see there is a difference between Ghafoor and Ghaffar.
Ghafoor is one who is forgiving and Ghaffar is one who continues to forgive all the time.

Allah will continue to forgive you repeatedly again and again until the day you die, no matter
how many times the sin is done, your duty is to keep on asking Allah’s forgiveness.

When you ask Allah’s forgiveness, you need to be genuine not to go back. But if Satan has
trapped you again and you went back after having planned not to go back, still you’ll find
Allah most Forgiving most Merciful. That is the meaning of Ghaffar (who just keeps on
forgiving). That’s the name and quality of Allah.
So Noah (peace be upon him) says:

{I told my people to keep on asking Allah’s forgiveness}

“Saying Astaghfirullah” because he will keep on forgiving you. For as long as you keep on
asking him, he will keep on forgiving you.

So don’t lose hope. Ask Allah’s forgiveness every day and ask him forgiveness because
asking forgiveness will elevate your status even after your sin is forgiven.

2- Provision

Then what will happen?

{He will grant you beneficial rain from the skies}

Through what? Through saying “Astaghfirullah”

What does rain depict?

Rain depicts the flourishing of earth and the beauty of the economy and your entire nation
begins to flourish because of the beautiful rain. The crop is produced, people are eating,
people are happy, the rivers are flowing and the water is there… so everything is beautiful.
That is rain.

How did we get it?

Through saying Astaghfirullah. (O Allah I seek your forgiveness).

Now the young people of today have a problem. If you tell them Astaghfirullah will give you
rain, they will tell you ‘I don’t want rain, I want money.’

This is shallow and narrow mindedness because obviously you will only get money through
hard work and that will only happen if your economy is flourishing and you have a job and so
on.

So Allah says we will grant you the rain

3- Wealth

Because Allah wants to give us even more, guess what He says? Immediately after He speaks
about rain, He says:

{And He will strengthen you with money.}

Which means, don’t worry, we know what you want, wealth. You want the cash, we’ll give
you. Through what? Through saying: ‘Astaghfrullah’.

Allah says we will give you the wealth, sustenance, we will provide for you. Be happy and
content… no need to steal, and no need to live a life higher than your means, get down to
your means. You own 1000 Ringgit, manage your month so that you will not use more than
that… you earn a million, so manage that month so that you give away a lot of that million
Inshallah to a good cause.

Allah is telling us that He is going to give you wealth.

4- Children

And you know what He says:

{He will grant you strength through sustenance, He will provide for you, and He will
give you offspring, children}

What type of children?

Those who don’t have children will be blessed with children. You know what that means?
Saying ‘Astaghfirullah’ will open the doors of marriage for those who are not married
because you need to be married in order to have children.

So if Allah will give you children, it means that we will get you married someone good so
that you will have children by the Will of Allah. So number one you want to get married.

Saying Astaghfirullah (O Allah forgive me) a hundred times a day, a million times a day for 5
or 10 years… and you’ll find the doors opening one after the other. And after that may Allah
bless those who don’t have children with children.

But some people don’t have kids in a rush… don’t lose hope. Allah knows if it’s better for
you and when it’s better for you but will open the door… it’s the door that might be sealed
for now you can open it through saying ‘Astaghfirullah’ (O Allah forgive me).

And on top of that, let’s continue… if a person does have children, sometimes they are
depressed because the biggest form of hurt that a person can feel is the hurt that comes from
their children.

If you’re hurt by your neighbor, it’s fine because you can shift your house… when you are
hurt by your own child, it hurts you much more. How? What is the solution for that thought?

Turn back to Allah.