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Istighfar (Arabic: ٱسْتِغْفَار, romanized: istighfār) is the act of seeking forgiveness of Allah in Islam. This is usually done by saying "I seek the forgiveness of Allah" (Arabic: أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ, romanized: astaghfiru llāha), or "I seek the forgiveness of Allah, my Lord, and turn to him (in repentance)" (Arabic: أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ رَبِّي وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ, romanized: astaghfiru llāha rabbī wa-atūbu ilayhi).[1]

It is considered one of the essential parts of worship in Islam.[1]

Meaning

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Istighfar (Arabic: ٱسْتِغْفَار) is the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah for one's sins, shortcomings, and mistakes. It is a fundamental concept in Islam, emphasizing repentance, humility, and the mercy of Allah- seeking forgiveness directly from God alone without partners.[2][1]

Astaghfirullah literally translates to "I seek forgiveness in God."[3]

Purpose

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Islam teaches that human beings were created by Allah with free will, enabling them to choose between righteousness and sin [Quran 76:3].[4] Despite this capacity for moral choice, humans are inherently prone to error due to their weak nature (Quran 4:28).[5] To address this, Allah in His mercy has prescribed istighfar (seeking forgiveness) as a means for believers to repent and purify themselves after committing sins, whether intentionally or unintentionally.[1]

Islamically, the Quran states: "Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." " [6]

In the Qur'an

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Istighfar, and some other words from the same root such as Ghafir, Al-Ghafoor, Ghaffar, occur in the Qur'an more than seventy times.[7]

Quranic verses regarding istighfar

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In the Qur'an, there are numerous verses on the issue of istighfar, in which Allah commands the believers to always ask for forgiveness and turn to Him. Some examples of these verses are:

  • "And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know." (Al Quran 3:135)[8]
  • "Those – their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens beneath which rivers flow [in Paradise], wherein they will abide eternally; and excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers." (Al Quran 3:136)[8]
  • "Whoever commits evil or wrongs themselves then seeks Allah's forgiveness will certainly find Allah All-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Al Quran 4:110)[9]
  • "So will they not repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (Al Quran 5:74)[10]
  • "And seek your Lord's forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. He will grant you a good provision for an appointed term and graciously reward the doers of good. But if you turn away, then I truly fear for you the torment of a formidable Day." (Al Quran 11:3)[11]
  • "And return to your Lord time after time and submit to Him before there comes to you the punishment, then you shall not be helped." (Al Quran 39:54) <[12]
  • In Surah Nooh ( Al Quran 71 :10 ) Allah Says فَقُلۡتُ اسۡتَغۡفِرُوۡا رَبَّكُمۡؕ اِنَّهٗ كَانَ غَفَّارًا ( Saying, 'Ask forgiveness from your Lord; for He is Oft-Forgiving, in the next verse Allah said يُّرۡسِلِ السَّمَآءَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ مِّدۡرَارًا ( Al Quran 71: 11 ) Allah saying He will send rain to you in abundance the next verse وَّيُمۡدِدۡكُمۡ بِاَمۡوَالٍ وَّبَنِيۡنَ وَيَجۡعَلۡ لَّـكُمۡ جَنّٰتٍ وَّيَجۡعَلۡ لَّـكُمۡ اَنۡهٰرًا ( Al Quran 71 : 12 ) Give you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers (of flowing water)

In narrations

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  • Ibn Abbas narrated Muhammad said, "Whoever increases seeking forgiveness, God will grant him relief from every worry, a way out from every hardship, and provide for him in ways he does not expect."
  • Abu Hurayrah narrated Muhammad said, "A servant committed a sin and said, "O God, forgive me of my sin." God, the Most Blessed and Exalted, says, 'My servant committed a sin and knows he has a Lord who forgives sins and holds him accountable.' Then the servant returned to his sin and said, 'O God, forgive me of my sin.' God says, 'My servant committed a sin and knows he has a Lord who forgives sins and holds him accountable.' Then the servant returned to his sin and said, 'O God, forgive me of my sin.' God says, 'My servant committed a sin and knows he has a Lord who forgives sins and holds him accountable, so do what you wish as I have forgiven you.'"
  • Anas ibn Malik narrated Muhammad said, "God, the Most High, says, 'O son of Adam, if you call on me and place your hope in me, I will forgive you despite what is within you, and I will not hesitate. O son of Adam, if you have sins piling up to the clouds and then ask for my forgiveness, I will forgive you, and I will not hesitate. O son of Adam, if you come to me with enough sins to fill the earth, and then meet me without associating anything with Me, I will come to you with enough forgiveness to fill the earth."
  • Abu ad-Darda narrated Muhammad said, "God, the Most High, says, 'O son of Adam, whenever you worship me and place your hopes in me, without associating anything with me, I will forgive whatever you have done. If you turn to me with the likes of the heavens and earth full of sins and shortcomings, I will turn to you with the same amount of forgiveness, and I do not mind.'"
  • Abu Dharr al-Ghifari narrated Muhammad said, "Indeed, God, the Most Majestic and Glorious, says, 'O my servant, as long as you worship me and place your hopes in me, I will forgive you despite what you have done. O my servant, if you meet me with enough sins to fill the earth, I will meet you with as much forgiveness, as long as you do not associate anything with me."
  • It was narrated Muhammad said, "I seek the forgiveness of God, and I repent to him" (astaghfiru llāha wa-atūbu ilayh) 80/100 times a day.[13]

Significance

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  • Istighfar safeguards the supplicant against the evil consequences of their sins.
  • Istighfar increases the blessings of Allah (both material and spiritual).
  • Istighfar is one of the ways of finding inner peace and tranquillity.
  • Istighfar purifies one from the physiological results of sins.
  • Istighfar turns evil deeds into good deeds.
  • Istighfar paves the way for the acceptance of prayer.
  • Allah forgives those who sincerely seek forgiveness unconditionally.
  • The Prophet said: "Whoever makes Istighfar frequently, Allah will provide a way for him out of every distress and provide for him from sources he could never expect."[14]

Conditions for istighfar

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Seeking forgiveness has three conditions, with an additional fourth one if the sin involves the violation of another person's rights:

  1. To discontinue the sin.
  2. To regret having committed it.
  3. To resolve to never return to sin.
  4. To restore the rights of the person that has been wronged.[1]

Etiquette

[edit]

The etiquette of seeking forgiveness are:

  • Istighfar during the dawn (sahar سَحَر – the late time of night before the daylight – time before daybreak).
  • Istighfar the eve before or during Jumu'ah.
  • To recognize one has wronged.
  • Confession (to God) of one's mistakes. (If necessary, confession to the person involved.)
  • Testimony of faith and submission to God.
  • Stop the sin, regret the sin, repent and intend to never do it again.

Note: Istighfar can be done at any time. Above mentioned are a few Sunnahs followed by Prophet Muhammed's teachings.

Istighfar of prophets

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The Istighfar of an ordinary person was not a special case since they are not infallible. However, in the case of the prophets and angels, such an act may be interpreted otherwise because it contradicts the attribute of infallibility in the prophets. However, there is some relevant evidence showing the fact that prophets and angels were also engaged in asking for divine forgiveness.

"The heavens nearly burst, one above the other, ˹in awe of Him˺. And the angels glorify the praises of their Lord, and seek forgiveness for those on earth. Surely Allah alone is the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Al Quran 42:5)[15]

[edit]

رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا آمَنَّا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

Rabba-nā inna-nā Ãman-nā fa-ʾaghfir la-nā ḏunūba-nā wa-qinā ʿaḏāba -n-nār.

Our Lord! We have believed, so forgive our sins and protect us from the torment of the Fire.

— Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran[16]

سُبْحَانَكَ تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Subḥāna-ka tub-tu ilay-ka wa-ana awwalu -l-muʾminīn.

Glory be to You! I turn to You in repentance, and I am the first of the believers.

— Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran[17]

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ إنِّي أسْأَلُكَ يَا ٱللَّٰهُ بِأَنَّكَ ٱلْوَاحِدُ ٱلأَحَدُ ٱلصَّمَدُ ٱلَّذِي لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ أَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي ذُنُوبِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلَّرَحِيمُ

Allahumma inni as'aluka ya Allah! Bi-annakal-Wahidul-Ahad us-Samad, alladhi lam yalid wa lam yowled, wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad, an taghfirali dhunubi, innaka antal-Ghafurur-Rahim.

O Allah! I ask You, O Allah, You are the One, the Only, Self Sufficient Master, who was not begotten and begets not and none is equal to Him. Forgive me my sins, surely you are Forgiving, Merciful.

— Narrated by Hanzalah bin 'Ali (R.A.), Sunan an-Nasa'i: The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer) V.2, Book 13, Hadith 123[18]

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ ٱغْفِرْ لِي وَٱرْحَمْنِي وَعَافِنِي وَٱهْدِنِي وَٱرْزُقْنِي

Allahumma-ghfir li, warhamni, wa 'afini, wahdini, warzuqni.

O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, guard me against harm and provide me with sustenance and salvation.

— Narrated by Tariq bin Ashyam (R.A.), Riyad as-Salihin: The Book of Du'a (Supplications) Book 16, Hadith 5[19]

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا ٱسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي فَٱغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Khalaqtani wa ana `Abduka, wa ana `ala `ahdika wa wa`dika mastata`tu, A`udhu bika min Sharri ma sana`tu, abu'u Laka bini`matika `alaiya, wa abu'u laka bidhanbi faghfir lee fa innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta.

O Allah! You are my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me, and I am Your slave, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from all the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You all my sins. So I entreat You to forgive my sins, for nobody can forgive sins except You.

— Narrated by Shaddad bin Aus (R.A.), Sahih al-Bukhari: Invocations, V.8, Book 80, Hadith 3[20]

References

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Istighfar

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Istighfar (: استغفار, istighfār), derived from the gh-f-r meaning "to cover" or "to ," is the Islamic practice of seeking forgiveness from for sins, shortcomings, and mistakes through sincere and . In Islamic terminology, it encompasses verbal expressions of , such as the common phrase Astaghfirullah ("I seek forgiveness from "), combined with heartfelt intention to abstain from wrongdoing. This act is considered essential for spiritual purification, as it invokes Allah's mercy to conceal and forgive human errors, thereby restoring the believer's relationship with the Divine. The repeatedly emphasizes the importance of istighfar as a pathway to divine blessings and relief. For instance, in Surah Nuh (71:10-12), Prophet Nuh advises his people to seek , promising that will send rain, increase their wealth and offspring, and provide gardens and rivers as rewards. Other verses, such as Surah Al-A'raf (7:23) where seek after their lapse, illustrate istighfar as a model of immediate following . The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified its practice by seeking over 100 times daily, despite his sinlessness, underscoring its role in maintaining humility and proximity to . Beyond forgiveness, istighfar yields profound benefits, including alleviation of distress, provision from unexpected sources, and clarity of heart for receiving guidance. A narrates that persistent istighfar grants relief from every worry, a way out from every hardship, and sustenance from unimaginable avenues. It serves as a form of (remembrance of ), fostering emotional well-being and protection from spiritual fog that obscures faith. In daily life, incorporate istighfar into prayers, after obligatory rituals, and during times of trial, making it a of Islamic devotion and ethical living.

Definition and Etymology

Meaning

Istighfar, in Islamic theology, refers to the act of seeking forgiveness from through verbal or heartfelt invocation, primarily for the pardon of sins and shortcomings. It serves as an ongoing practice of imploring , often expressed through phrases like "Astaghfirullah" (I seek forgiveness from ), and is considered a fundamental element of a believer's spiritual life. This acknowledges fallibility and reliance on God's compassion to cover and absolve transgressions. The term "istighfar" derives from the Arabic triliteral root gh-f-r (غ-ف-ر), which conveys the meanings of covering, protecting, or forgiving, symbolizing the veiling of sins from exposure and their subsequent erasure through divine grace. This root underscores the theological notion that forgiveness acts as a protective shield against the consequences of wrongdoing. Central to this concept is Allah's attribute Al-Ghafur (The All-Forgiving), one of the 99 names of God in Islam, which emphasizes His boundless capacity to forgive repeatedly and comprehensively, encouraging believers to turn to Him without despair. While istighfar is rooted in the broader framework of tawbah (), the two are distinct in their scope and application. Tawbah encompasses a complete process of , involving sincere for past sins, immediate cessation of the sinful act, and a firm resolve to avoid recurrence, marking a transformative return to obedience. In contrast, istighfar focuses specifically on the plea for and , which can be performed continuously as a remedial and preventive measure, even without the full elements of tawbah, though it is most efficacious when aligned with genuine .

Linguistic Origins

The term istighfar derives from the root gh-f-r (غ-ف-ر), which primarily connotes , veiling, or something from exposure or harm. In lexicography, this root encompasses actions such as concealing an object to shield it, as exemplified by mighfar (مغفر), a type of designed to cover and protect the head. The of gh-f-r thus emphasizes protection through , a concept that extended to burying or hiding items in the ground to safeguard them. The word istighfar is the of the Form X ista g h f a r a (استغفر), a morphological pattern often used to denote seeking or asking for the action implied by the root. In the Islamic linguistic , the root's implications of evolved to include the idea of veiling faults or errors, laying the groundwork for its association with and pardon in religious . The root gh-f-r has influenced numerous derived terms in , notably maghfirah (مغفرة), denoting the act of or forgiving faults, which underscores the protective essence of the concept.

Scriptural Foundations

In the Qur'an

Istighfar, the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah, forms a recurring theme throughout the Qur'an, underscoring its centrality to Islamic theology and spiritual practice. The triliteral root ghayn fā rā (غ ف ر), from which istighfar derives, appears 234 times in various forms, encompassing concepts of forgiveness, covering sins, and divine mercy. Specifically, the Form X derivations related to istighfar—such as is'taghfara (asked forgiveness) and istaghfiru (seek forgiveness)—occur 40 times, highlighting the direct imperative to believers to invoke Allah's pardon. These mentions emphasize istighfar not merely as remorse for wrongdoing but as a proactive means to attain divine favor and protection. Prominent examples illustrate istighfar's role in prophetic missions and communal guidance. In Surah Nuh (71:10-12), Prophet Noah (Nuh) calls upon his people to seek forgiveness, promising that Allah will send abundant rain, increase their wealth and offspring, and grant them gardens and rivers as rewards for repentance. This narrative ties istighfar to averting calamity and invoking material and spiritual blessings, portraying it as a remedy for drought and hardship afflicting the disbelievers. Similarly, in Surah Hud (11:3), the command is given to seek forgiveness from the Lord and repent, assuring provision of good things until an appointed time, while verse 11:52 recounts Prophet Hud's exhortation to his people to ask forgiveness and turn to Allah for mercy, linking it to the removal of affliction and an increase in enjoyment of life. Theologically, istighfar is deeply intertwined with Allah's attributes of and , serving as a divine command for believers to maintain purity and . Verses repeatedly position it as essential for (tawbah), which purifies the soul and invites Allah's boundless , as seen in the epithet Al-Ghafur (The All-Forgiving), invoked alongside istighfar to affirm perpetual pardon. It functions to avert divine wrath and calamity, reinforcing the Qur'anic where sincere seeking of forgiveness leads to elevation in status and security in both worldly and realms, as exemplified in prophetic urgings across multiple surahs.

In Hadith and Narrations

In the hadith literature, istighfar is portrayed as a fundamental practice encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who exemplified it through his own routine despite being protected from sin. Authentic narrations from the emphasize its role in spiritual purification and practical relief, drawing from collections such as , , , and Jami' al-Tirmidhi. The Prophet's personal habit of frequent istighfar is well-documented in sahih reports. In , he stated: "By , I seek Allah's Pardon and turn to Him in more than seventy times a day." A complementary narration in records: "O people, repent to , for verily I repent to Him a hundred times a day." These accounts highlight istighfar as a daily , often performed in sittings or after prayers, underscoring its integration into routine worship and times of reflection or need. Key hadiths outline the profound benefits of persistent istighfar. The said: "Whoever constantly seeks forgiveness from , will appoint for him a way out from every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide for him sustenance from where he does not expect." This narration, reported in and graded sahih by scholars like , illustrates istighfar's capacity to alleviate hardships and attract unforeseen provision. Similarly, in Jami' al-Tirmidhi, the taught the superior form of istighfar (Sayyid al-Istighfar): "O , You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You; You created me and I am Your servant..." promising entry into Paradise for one who recites it sincerely at dawn or dusk before death. Such reports, limited to authentic chains, affirm istighfar's interpretive extension of Qur'anic guidance into actionable prophetic tradition.

Practice and Methods

Conditions for Acceptance

For istighfar to be accepted by , it must be accompanied by sincere (ikhlas), which entails a genuine acknowledgment of the committed and a heartfelt recognition of one's shortcomings before the Divine. This internal state is foundational, as istighfar without true merely becomes rote recitation devoid of spiritual weight. Integrated with these elements of (repentance), the supplicant must immediately cease the wrongdoing and form a firm resolve to abstain from repeating it, ensuring that the act of seeking forgiveness aligns with behavioral reform rather than superficial utterance. Beyond these core prerequisites, certain additional requirements enhance the likelihood of acceptance within . Performing istighfar in a state of (ablution) is preferred, as it reflects ritual purity and elevates the supplication's sanctity, though it is not strictly obligatory. The supplicant must also avoid major shirk (), since associating partners with renders forgiveness unattainable for such grave offenses unless repented from before death. Optimal timing includes recitation after obligatory prayers, during the last third of the night, or on Fridays, when is believed to be more abundant.

Etiquette and Forms

Istighfar is performed with and a sense of , reflecting an individual's acknowledgment of their shortcomings before . Practitioners are encouraged to maintain focus and presence of heart during the act, as mere verbal recitation without reflection diminishes its spiritual value. It is recommended to perform istighfar after performing , facing the Qiblah, and raising the hands with palms upward, in line with the general for supplications. Among the standard forms of istighfar are simple phrases frequently recited by the Prophet Muhammad. The basic expression "Astaghfirullah" (I seek Allah's forgiveness) is uttered three times immediately after completing the obligatory prayers. A more comprehensive variant, "Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh" (I seek Allah's forgiveness and repent to Him), was part of the Prophet's regular supplications, often combined with glorification of Allah. For deeper seeking of forgiveness, the "Sayyid al-Istighfar" (Master of Forgiveness) is highly recommended, as narrated in a hadith: "Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, a'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u laka bini'matika 'alayya, wa abu'u bidhanbi faghfirli, fainnahu la yaghfiru adh-dhunuba illa anta" (O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You. You created me, and I am Your servant, and I hold to Your Covenant and Promise as much as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me, for only You forgive sins). The Prophet emphasized this as the most superior form of istighfar, promising entry into Paradise for sincere recitation once daily with conviction. Recommended times for istighfar include the last third of the night, when supplications are more readily accepted, and immediately after the Fajr prayer before dawn. It is also advised after each of the five daily prayers. As for frequency, the sought forgiveness more than seventy times a day, and Islamic teachings encourage up to one hundred times daily to foster consistent . Istighfar can be performed either silently in the heart or vocally with the tongue, though the latter is preferred for to ensure proper articulation and reflection. In congregational settings, such as during , it is commonly recited after the final and before the salam, typically three times as exemplified by the Prophet. This practice integrates istighfar seamlessly into communal worship, promoting collective humility.

Significance and Benefits

Purpose and Spiritual Effects

Istighfar serves as a primary means for believers to seek the erasure of minor sins, fostering a direct path to and from . In Islamic teachings, it acts as a that covers and removes shortcomings, allowing the individual to renew their spiritual state and draw closer to through His boundless compassion. This practice is emphasized as essential for maintaining a pure connection with the Divine, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself sought forgiveness over seventy times daily despite his , highlighting its role in spiritual and reliance on Allah's mercy. The spiritual effects of istighfar include profound purification of the , alleviating the burdens of guilt and promoting inner tranquility known as sakinah. By invoking Allah's , the believer experiences from anxiety and emotional distress, which aligns with Islamic psychological perspectives on as a remedy for mental unease caused by . This purification extends to an increase in faith (iman), as regular istighfar strengthens resolve against wrongdoing and enhances spiritual awareness, ultimately protecting the individual from hardships through divine intervention. Qur'anic support underscores these effects, particularly in Surah Nuh (71:10-12), where seeking is linked to abundant , increased provision (rizq), and elevated worldly blessings as signs of Allah's response to repentance. further affirm istighfar's role in attaining higher ranks in the , such as entry into ; for instance, reciting the Sayyidul Istighfar with firm belief in the morning or evening guarantees Paradise if one passes away that day. These promises illustrate how istighfar not only erases sins but also elevates the soul's standing, offering protection and prosperity in both worldly and eternal realms.

Broader Implications in Islamic Life

Istighfar holds a central place in the daily worship of Muslims, integrated into core rituals such as salah, where it is recited immediately after each prayer to seek forgiveness for any shortcomings in performance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would say "Astaghfirullah" three times following salah, a practice that compensates for deficiencies and invites divine mercy. During fasting, particularly in Ramadan, istighfar is emphasized as a means to purify the soul and enhance the spiritual rewards of abstinence, with scholars encouraging its frequent recitation to remove barriers to Allah's forgiveness. In communal settings, istighfar features prominently in Friday khutbahs, where imams urge congregations to seek collective forgiveness, fostering unity and repentance as seen in sermons dedicated to its virtues. It also forms an essential component of dhikr routines and awrad litanies in Sufi traditions, recited multiple times daily to maintain spiritual vigilance and remembrance of God. Historically, istighfar received significant emphasis during the early under , who exemplified its importance through his own practices and the narrations attributed to his family. 's son, Ibn Umar, reported counting the seeking forgiveness over 100 times in a single sitting, a tradition that upheld and promoted as a model for the community amid rapid expansions and challenges. This caliphal focus on istighfar helped instill it as a pillar of moral and spiritual resilience in the burgeoning . In Sufi thought, istighfar evolved as a foundational practice for spiritual purification, viewed as essential for attaining ma'rifah, or , by cleansing the heart of sins that obscure divine knowledge. Sufi scholars describe it as a strengthening exercise for the soul, preparing for higher states of awareness and proximity to God. In contemporary Islamic life, istighfar finds application in counseling for , where it is employed as a therapeutic tool to alleviate anxiety and emotional distress among . Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing anxiety in adolescents from divorced families through structured sessions, promoting emotional regulation rooted in . Neuroscientific further supports its calming impact, showing that istighfar recitation influences wave activity to foster relaxation and mitigate stress. Additionally, in da'wah efforts, istighfar serves as a key theme in preaching, with khutbahs and lectures highlighting its role in clearing spiritual fog and inviting guidance, thereby encouraging non-practicing toward and .

Historical and Special Contexts

Istighfar by Prophets

In , prophets exemplify the practice of istighfar, seeking Allah's as a demonstration of and reliance on , even though they are considered infallible (ma'sum) and protected from major sins. Their invocations highlight istighfar's role not in atoning for deliberate wrongdoing but in acknowledging human limitations and shortcomings in or obedience, serving as a model for believers to cultivate constant and submission. This theological nuance underscores that prophets' istighfar reinforces their exemplary status, encouraging to emulate their devotion despite personal imperfections. One of the earliest instances is Prophet Adam's istighfar following his descent from Paradise, where he and his wife Hawwa supplicated: "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers" (Qur'an 7:23). This plea marked their repentance for following Iblis's temptation, leading to Allah's forgiveness and guidance, illustrating istighfar as a pathway to restoration and divine favor. Similarly, Prophet Ibrahim sought forgiveness on behalf of his father, promising, "I will surely ask forgiveness for you" (Qur'an 60:4), though he clarified his limited intercessory power against Allah's decree, emphasizing istighfar's boundaries while affirming familial compassion within faith. These examples from the Qur'an portray prophets turning to istighfar in moments of trial to reaffirm their covenant with Allah. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), regarded as the most perfect in character, frequently performed istighfar despite his , stating, "By ! I ask for from and turn to Him in more than seventy times a day" ( 6307). This practice was not for sins but to express gratitude for divine blessings and to seek perfection in servitude, modeling profound humility for his followers. Narrations also describe other prophets using istighfar for deliverance from distress; for instance, Prophet Musa, after an unintended act, prayed, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me" (Qur'an 28:16), which accepted, granting him relief and prophethood. Likewise, Prophet Yunus, engulfed in the whale's belly, invoked, "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers" (Qur'an 21:87), a that prompted his immediate rescue, as affirmed in prophetic traditions where the Messenger of taught it as a means of relief from hardships ( 3505). These accounts collectively affirm istighfar's universal efficacy, even for the sinless prophets, in invoking 's aid and mercy. In Islamic tradition, istighfar is often combined with , the invocation of blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad and his family, as a complementary form of that enhances spiritual purification and draws . This pairing is emphasized in devotional practices, where reciting abundantly—such as 1,000 times nightly for 40 nights—fosters love for , while istighfar addresses sins; together, they serve as "two wings" for the spiritual seeker, protecting against temptations and aiding problem resolution. Istighfar holds a prominent place in night prayers, particularly and , where it is integrated into supplications for and relief. In the section of prayer, which concludes the odd-numbered rak'ah, believers may recite comprehensive that include seeking Allah's pardon, aligning with the 's practice of invoking divine assistance and during this standing posture. Similarly, during , the voluntary night , the Sayyid al-Istighfar—a detailed supplication narrated from the —is highly recommended after the rak'ahs to seek comprehensive , promising relief from worries and sustenance from unexpected sources. Within Sufi traditions, such as the order, istighfar forms a key element of circles, where participants engage in silent or collective remembrance to purify the heart. Practitioners are instructed to recite istighfar excessively during states of spiritual depression to restore balance and connection with the divine, often as part of litanies that emphasize breath awareness and negation of ego. This practice extends to communal gatherings, reinforcing and mercy-seeking without overt physical expressions. Istighfar also features in communal rituals like funerals and the istisqa prayer for , adapting to contexts of collective need and transition. In the janazah funeral prayer, after the takbirs, the congregation recites a specific du'a seeking for the deceased, such as " ighfir lahu warhamhu" (O , forgive him and have mercy on him), extending mercy to both the living and the dead to ease their trials. For istisqa, performed during drought, the instructed abundant istighfar as a prerequisite for , with the imam's including pleas for pardon to avert calamity and invoke divine provision. () Distinct phrases like "Rabbighfir warham wa anta khayrur-rahimin" (My , forgive and have , for You are the Best of those who show ), drawn from the Qur'an, are used in these varied settings to blend with pleas for , often at the conclusion of prayers or in times of hardship.

References

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