Astaghfirullah is the simple but very important powerful Dua. Astaghfar is expressing that remorse and cry for the forgiveness of Allah. Astaghfar is the keyword to changing the destination from hell to heaven. So it is super protection from the devil and a way to get to the vicinity of the almighty Allah. Repentance [Tawbah] and Istighfar is the most meritorious acts for the Muslims. It is a simple but powerful supplication. Seeking forgiveness of Allah 100 times a day is Sunnah of beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Tawbah is not only necessary for seeking the shelter of sin but it is also the thankfulness of Allah for his immense favour to us. As we realize the greatness of Allah, Most High, our efforts of obedience clearly are seen to be Inadequate. But a person higher on the scale of taqwa and do more Astsghfar consequently get the mercy of Allah.
ISTIGHFAR | IMPORTANCE IN THE QURAN
One of the great names of Allah is Al-Ghaffar which meaning is The Great Forgiver The Forgiver. So Allah is one who forgives the sinner one time and also again. There is a number of verses in the Quran about the importance of Astaghfar. A few of them are as under:
And seek your Allah,s forgiveness and turn toward Him in repentance. He will grant you a good provision for an arranged term and graciously reward the doers of right. But if you move away, then I truly fear for you the torment of a formidable Day.
Hud 11:3
Then, verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allâh) in ignorance and afterwards repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter, (to such) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
An-Nahl 16:119
But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.
Ta-Ha 20:82
And say (O Muhammad (ﷺ)): “My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!
Al-Mumenoon 23:118
Your Lord is most knowing of what is within yourselves. If you should be righteous [in intention] – then indeed He is ever, to the often returning [to Him], Forgiving.
Al-Isra 17:25
[O Muhammad (ﷺ)], inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful
Al-Hijr 15:49
Moreover, if you want more verses then Read the Quran. There are plenty of ayahs about the necessity of seeking the forgiveness of Allah. Some of them are addressing the previous Prophets and their nations. But these are also for addressing us as Allah wants us to learn from the stories of the previous nation., His acceptance of Astaghfar and His punishments for ignoring it.
Different Benefits of Seeking Forgiveness
Let us see the more benefits and virtues of reciting this simple beautiful supplication inShaAllah.
Cleanup of Sins
Astagfar is the way by which one can clean sin from his books of deeds. Seeking protection from evils makes a person safe. Entrance in Jannah is only possible when a person admits his sins and seek the forgiveness of Allah. A Muslim can cleanup his sins in different ways but for major sins proper Astagfar is necessary.
Astaghfar is a way of Relief and Happiness
Our ignorance of the Order of Almighty Allah brings tensions and stresses. if anyone recites Astagfar regularly, he can serve a relax life and can get rid of anxiety. I will bring peace and happiness in your life. Abdullah Bin Abas narrates that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) 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.
Astaghfar Increase Sustenance
Wealth is one of the big things for which we running after today. So it is the consider as basic aim of our capitalist society. Wealth facilitates the life to ease. Increase wealth brings a sort of satisfaction in life. If anyone constantly seek pardon from Allah, Allah will provide him sustenance for him from where he is not expecting. Allah promises us in Holy Book that wealth comes with Astagfar. Therefore Astagfar is a way to open the door of sustenance. So it is for us who are struggling financially.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has said in Hadith:
The one who seeks forgiveness for Muslim males and females from Allah almighty twenty-five or twenty-six times daily. Almighty Allah will count that person among those whose prayer is accepted and through the barakah of whom those on earth gain sustenance.
Astaghfar opens Door of Mercy
In day and night, we commit many sins consciously and non consciously. Many time in life we have gone astray. In negligence, we forgot the order of Allah. But being Muslim we believe in the mercy of Almighty Allah Mercy. As his two names are is Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim. And these are derived from the Arabic word Rahmah which mean Mercy. So one should not be disappointed and keep doing Astagfar always. Our faith is that Allah will forgive us. Astagfar is the fountain of energy and hope for all Muslim, always reminding them of Allah’s Mercy. Indeed Allah is the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful.
Astaghfar Increases Productivity
Being Muslims, we believe that our success always comes from Allah. Allah has the power to bring divine goodness to our business. Sins have negative effects on productivity both on an individual level and community level. Allah clearly messages in Quran that he, ll not only give us what we want but also give us more. He promises us that he, ll give us a garden and river. It means the luxuries of life that everyone can’t afford. The only person who do Astagfar can only grant such life. The paradise of Allah awaits those who make constant Astaghfar.
Refraining Us from all Sins
Astagfar means to get strength from almighty Allah to refrain from evil deeds. So we should always keep seeking forgiveness from all sins. We should always have in mind that Almighty Allah is most merciful and He gives us a thinkful mind. Also, Allah draws a clear line between right and wrong deeds. So one can analyse himself and remain on the right path and keep doing Astagfar of his mistakes.
Hardship & Stress in Life
Most of the hardships and stress that come in a man life are because of his mistake. Stress and hardships are things that cause mental, physical or spiritual tensions. There is no running out from these. So for overcoming these situations concern only Allah and ask for forgiveness. Allah knows everything in your heart and gives definite satisfaction. Makes habit of Astaghfar and stay in touch with Allah.
Acceptance of Dua
During the day and night, we do numerous sins consciously and unconsciously. This number increases and raise like a mountain. These become a barrier between Allah and a person. In such a situation, supplication can,t be accepted. Allah remains angry with a sinner. Although he dislikes sins he waits for Astagfar. Astaghfar with a humble attitude is liked by Allah. If anyone wants acceptance of his dua he has to clear daily sin by doing regular Astaghfar. If anyone offers tahajud namaz and cry for benefit from Allah, then Allah cleanup his sins and accepts his supplications. Indeed Allah is Gafoor and Raheem.
Descent of Rain
If people become disobedient to Allah and indulge in activities that are prohibited. Different misdeeds become part of society people distance themselves from Allah. Common sins like irregular in prayer, jealousy, pride, rude, backbiting, vulgarity, etc become part of society. So it happens that there remain drought throughout the period. The weather becomes unfavourable for life. It means people connection with Allah is paralyzed. When Allah angry with us then everything around us starts to go wrong. We suffer different types of hardships. No rain for a long time is one of those problems. In such time just repent quickly and do Astaghfar. Also, Salatul-Istisqa | Prayer for Rain is a way to ask for the descent of rain. May Allah pardon us and shower his blessing upon us.
How to Repent and Astaghfar
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has taught us different words of repentance and it is good if we learn and understand them to use. Of these one has been mentioned as Syed-ul-Istighfar (the master of forgiveness). A Hadith describe its excellent significance: “If a believer says Astaghfar sincerely and faithfully in the morning and dies before that evening, he will enter into Jannah. If he says it in the night and dies before the morning, he will enter into Jannah.” This powerful supplication is our daily pledge of allegiance. We should do well to memorize it in Arabic and never let a day or night go by without saying it with full consciousness:
Oh, Allah! You are my Creator. There is no other God except you. You created me and I am your obeyer. To the best of my ability, I will uphold by my concordat and promise to You. I seek Your safeguard from the evil of my own creation. I awarded of Your favours to me and I admit my sins. So kindly forgive me for no one can forgive sins except You.
