Seeking Forgiveness - Istighfar
The continuous practice of seeking Allah's forgiveness that erases sins and opens doors of blessing.
Istighfar (الاستغفار) is the act of seeking Allah's forgiveness through phrases like 'Astaghfirullah' (I seek forgiveness from Allah). The Prophet (PBUH) sought forgiveness at least 70 times daily despite being sinless. Istighfar erases sins, relieves distress, provides sustenance from unexpected sources, and brings peace of heart. The Quran describes those who seek forgiveness in the early hours as especially beloved to Allah. Regular istighfar keeps the heart polished and maintains the believer's connection to their Lord. It is the first step of repentance (tawbah).
And whoever does evil or wrongs themselves but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
Al-Hasan al-Basri said: 'Increase in seeking forgiveness, for you do not know when mercy descends.' The door of istighfar is always open until death arrives.
Quran
Written about in
- What Islam says about forgiveness
The practice is one phrase, Astaghfirullah, repeated. The detail that carries the weight is that the Prophet is reported to have said it around seventy times a day while held to be sinless — which makes istighfar routine maintenance, not an emergency measure.