Istighfar – The gateway of Relief and Happiness

The virtue of seeking forgiveness from Allah is well-known. It is a reason of obtaining forgiveness, entering Jannah, having good provisions, increasing one’s strength, repelling harm, having affairs facilitated, the descent of rain, and increasing in wealth and children. It is the gateway of relief and happiness. It is a means by which anxieties are removed, sadness is relieved, du’as are answered, doors of sustenance and knowledge are opened. Doing istighfar is an effective method of calming oneself and easing difficulties.

Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said,

“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 short, asking forgiveness from Allah is the solution to every problem. People often forget the importance of this simple yet powerful du’a (supplication).

Allah Almighty says,

وَأَنِ ٱسْتَغْفِرُ‌وا۟ رَ‌بَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَـٰعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِى فَضْلٍ فَضْلَهُۥ ۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ كَبِيرٍ‌ ﴿٣

And [saying], “Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day. (3)

[Qur’an, Hud 11:3]

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلتَّوَّ‌ٰبِينَ وَيُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَطَهِّرِ‌ينَ ﴿٢٢٢

…Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (222)

[Qur’an, Al-Baqaeah

May Allah make us of those who are constantly repentant and of those who purify themselves. Aameen!