Every human being inevitably makes mistakes. Sometimes we treat minor sins as trivial, and at other times we unwittingly fall into major sins. Yet Allah the Most Forgiving never closes the door of repentance for His servants. As long as the soul has not yet reached the throat and the sun has not risen from the west, the opportunity to return to Allah remains wide open.
One of the easiest ways to draw closer to Allah is by repentance, that is, seeking forgiveness and pardon from Him. This practice not only erases sins but also brings peace of mind and opens a way out of all life's difficulties.
Istighfar in the Qur'an and Hadith
Allah SWT says:
“And ask forgiveness from your Lord, then repent to Him; surely He will grant you good provisions until a set term.”
(Surah Hud: 3)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), although infallible and protected from sin, sought forgiveness more than 70 times a day. This demonstrates that seeking forgiveness is a very noble practice and should not be taken lightly by a believer.
From Abu Hurairah RA, from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he said:
Meaning: “Whoever glorifies Allah after the prayer 33 times, praises Allah 33 times, and magnifies Allah 33 times, so that the total comes to 99,” and the Prophet added: “The perfection of one hundred is to recite: Laa ilaaha illallah wahdahu laa syariika lahu, lahul mulku walahul walahul hamdu wahuwa ‘alaa kulli syai'in qadiir, then his sins will be forgiven even if they are as numerous as the foam in the sea.”
(Narrated by Muslim, 597)
- One of the practices recommended after the obligatory prayer is to recite the Tasbih (Subhaanallah) 33 times, the Tahmid (Alhamdulillah) 33 times, and the Takbir (Allahu Akbar) 33 times.
- To make the dhikr perfect, the final dhikr (the 100th) is recited once:
- Whoever completes the above dhikr sincerely will have their sins forgiven, even if they are as numerous as the foam in the ocean (minor sins).
- May we remain steadfast in practicing zikir after the obligatory prayers.
The Benefits & Rewards of Istighfar
1. To receive the forgiveness of Allah S.W.T.
Istighfar opens the door to forgiveness. No sin is too great as long as the servant sincerely repents and returns to Allah SWT.
2. Brings Peace of Mind
A heart that frequently seeks forgiveness feels light and at ease. It is like cleansing the soul of the impurities of sin that weigh it down.
3. Opening the Door to Providence
In Surah Nuh, verses 10–12, Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) urged his people to seek forgiveness, as it is the reason Allah sends down rain, increases provision, and grants them children and fertile gardens.
4. Protection from the Torment and Hardships of Life
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever makes it a habit to seek forgiveness, Allah will provide a way out of every difficulty, relief from every hardship, and grant them provision from unexpected sources.” (HR Abu Dawud)
An Exemplary Story About Istighfar
Prophet Jonah, peace be upon him.
When he was swallowed by a whale in the dark ocean, he prayed with full hope:
“There is no god but You (O Allah). Glorified are You; indeed, I am among the wrongdoers.”
(Surah al-Anbiya: 87)
The prayer full of repentance ultimately became the reason Allah SWT saved Prophet Jonah (peace be upon him) from the fish's belly. This story teaches us that repentance can be a way out of even the darkest trials.
Prophet Noah, peace be upon him.
Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) then called his people to seek forgiveness so that they might receive blessings in life, abundant sustenance, and salvation from punishment. However, the people who refused to seek forgiveness were ultimately punished by Allah the Almighty with a great flood.
How to Practice Istighfar
Brief Remarks: Speak up I seek forgiveness from Allah the Almighty. with a sincere heart.
After the Prayer: Make istighfar a practice after every obligatory prayer.
When the field is: Use your free time, such as when driving or walking, to seek forgiveness.
Most Favorable Time: Increase your istighfar during the pre-dawn meal and in the last third of the night.
Conclusion
Istighfar is not merely a phrase on the lips, but a sign of repentance born from the heart. This practice brings us Allah's forgiveness, calms the soul, and expands one's sustenance.
Let us make istighfar a daily practice, for it is the key that opens the door to Allah SWT's mercy in this world and the Hereafter.
“O Allah, keep our tongues ever moist with istighfar, our hearts full of repentance for our sins, and our lives blessed with Your mercy. Ameen.”
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