Doing Istighfar – The Secret of Astaghfirullah

Did you know that a simple dua like “Astaghfirullah” can change your life? In Islam, seeking forgiveness through Istighfar is one of the most powerful and spiritually uplifting practices. By regularly reciting Astaghfirullah and Syed ul Istighfar, we can attain peace, relief from anxiety, and divine mercy. Let’s explore how this beautiful act can transform our lives, inshaAllah!

What is Istighfar in Islam?

Istighfar means to seek forgiveness from Allah. It is more than just a verbal act; it’s a heartfelt plea for Allah’s mercy. The word “Istighfar” originates from the Arabic root meaning “to cover and protect,” symbolizing that Allah forgives and shields us from the consequences of our sins.

The act of reciting Astaghfirullah is the specific phrase we use when seeking forgiveness. Astaghfirullah means: “I seek forgiveness from Allah.” By saying this simple dua, we ask for Allah’s mercy, acknowledge our wrongdoings, and turn towards Him in repentance.

Did you know? Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was sinless, would say Astaghfirullah more than 100 times daily. This shows the immense importance of Istighfar for all Muslims.

How to Do Istighfar (Step-by-Step Guide)

Wondering how to perform Istighfar? Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

1. Make Intention (Niyyah): Before beginning, sincerely intend to seek forgiveness from Allah.
2. Recite “Astaghfirullah”: Say “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness from Allah) with humility.
   
   You can also recite the longer version: Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilaih
   Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance.”
   
3. Feel Regret: Repentance isn’t just verbal. It requires feeling deep regret in the heart for your sins.
4. Make a Promise Not to Repeat the Sin: Be sincere in your commitment not to repeat the same mistake.
5. Repeat 100 Times: As per Sunnah, recite Astaghfirullah 100 times daily, especially after prayers.

Quick tip: Incorporate Istighfar into your daily routine. Whether it’s in moments of reflection or during dhikr (remembrance of Allah), repeating Astaghfirullah can help cleanse your soul and purify your heart.

Benefits of Istighfar and Astaghfirullah

Doing Istighfar and reciting Astaghfirullah offers a wealth of spiritual and worldly benefits. Some of the most profound rewards are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith:

• Forgiveness of sins: Allah promises to forgive those who sincerely seek His pardon.“But I am truly Most Forgiving to whoever repents, believes, and does good…” (Surah Taha 20:82)
• Relief from anxiety: Istighfar removes inner worries and grants peace.
• Increases sustenance:“Seek forgiveness from your Lord. He is the Oft-Forgiving, He will send rain to you in abundance, and increase you in wealth and children.” (Surah Nuh 71:10-12)
• Removes hardship: The Prophet (PBUH) 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 from unexpected sources.” (Abu Dawud)

By saying Astaghfirullah tasbih regularly, you open the doors to Allah’s mercy and protection.

Astaghfirullah 1000 Times Benefits

Reciting Astaghfirullah 1000 times can help cleanse the heart and relieve the mind of tension. Whenever you are distressed, start reciting it, and, inshallah, you will feel a sense of relief and comfort.

Here are the benefits of reciting Astaghfirullah 1000 times:

• Improves sleep: Helps you fall asleep quickly and peacefully.
• Erases sins: Cleanses your heart from the burden of sins.
• Brings sustenance: Opens the doors to halal livelihood.
• Relieves stress: Calms the mind, alleviating tension and worries.
• Grants knowledge: Enhances understanding and wisdom.
• Provides emotional comfort: Helps you feel better and lifts your mood.
• Promotes mental well-being: Acts as a natural remedy for anxiety and depression.

If you’re feeling down, angry, or overwhelmed, simply recite “Astaghfirullah.” This self-calming practice can relieve your worries and soothe your mind, leading to a state of inner peace.

Sayyidul Istighfar (The Best Dua for Forgiveness)

Sayyidul Istighfar (Syed ul Istighfar) holds a special place among the many supplications for forgiveness. It is considered the best dua for seeking forgiveness.

Here’s how to recite Sayyidul Istighfar Dua:

Importance of Sayyidul Istighfar in Hadith

It is stated in Al-Bukhari that whoever makes this Sayyidul Astaghfar dua during the day with a firm belief in it and dies on the same day (before the evening) will be one of the residents (dwellers) of Jannah (Paradise). Similarly, whoever makes this Istighfar dua during the night with a firm belief in it and dies before the morning will also be one of the dwellers of Jannah (Paradise).

For more information, visit our blog, Jannah – The Reward for True Muslims.

Duas for Istighfar

Duas are one of the most powerful tools Allah has given us. They are our way of directly communicating with our Creator, seeking His mercy, guidance, protection, and forgiveness.

When it comes to Istighfar, making dua regularly should be part of our daily routine. One of the simplest yet most effective duas is Astaghfirullah, but there are also longer forms like Sayyidul Istighfar, which covers multiple aspects of repentance, gratitude, and supplication.

The Prophet (PBUH) taught us: “Whoever seeks forgiveness regularly, Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress, relief from every anxiety, and provide for him from sources he never imagined.” (Abu Dawood)

This shows how duas related to Istighfar can not only cleanse our sins but also bring relief and provision. It’s essential to regularly ask Allah for forgiveness, whether it’s after each prayer or before sleeping, and to trust in His mercy.

Here are some duas that we can recite while doing Istighfar:

Hazrat Aishah (RA) reported:

Before his passing, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) frequently supplicated the following Dua.

Incorporating these daily can enhance your connection with Allah. Explore important duas for daily life to see how you can integrate more supplications into your routine.

Tawbah and Its Relation to Istighfar: Never Lose Hope

It’s human nature to commit sins. No one is perfect, and as humans, we will lose strength, sometimes repeatedly.

But remember:

Allah, in His infinite mercy, has taught us to NEVER LOSE HOPE in Him.

Through Tawbah (repentance) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness), Allah gives us the opportunity to return to Him, no matter how many times we fall.

So, if you sin, come back and repent. Feel sincere regret and guilt, ask Allah for forgiveness, and promise not to repeat the same mistake. But if you sin again, repeat your repentance.

Allah’s mercy is unlimited, and it is Satan (Shaitan) who tries to convince us that we are beyond forgiveness.

Allah says in the Quran:

“Say: O My servants who have wronged themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)

One of Allah’s 99 beautiful names is Al-Ghaffaar, meaning The Great Forgiver. When we turn to Allah in Tawbah, acknowledging our mistakes and sincerely seeking forgiveness, we receive His abundant mercy.

Remember: The doors of repentance are always open. Never delay seeking forgiveness, as none of us knows what tomorrow may bring.

FAQ: Common Questions About Istighfar and Astaghfirullah

Q1. How often should I say Astaghfirullah?
It is recommended to say Astaghfirullah at least 100 times daily, as per the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, you can say it as much as you wish, especially when seeking forgiveness or in moments of reflection.

Q2. Can Istighfar erase major sins?
Yes, Istighfar can erase both minor and major sins. However, for major sins, it is important to perform sincere Tawbah (repentance), which includes feeling regret, asking for forgiveness, and resolving not to repeat the sin.

Q3. What is the difference between Tawbah and Istighfar?
Istighfar is the act of seeking forgiveness, often through the dua “Astaghfirullah.” Tawbah is a more comprehensive act that includes feeling regret for the sin, asking for forgiveness, and making a sincere intention not to commit the sin again.

Q4. Can I do Istighfar for someone else?
Yes, you can seek forgiveness on behalf of others. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged making dua for the forgiveness of other Muslims. In fact, asking Allah to forgive fellow believers is a virtuous act.

Q5. How can I include Istighfar in my daily routine?
You can incorporate Istighfar during Dhikr after prayers, before going to sleep, or whenever you remember. Saying “Astaghfirullah” regularly, whether it’s 100 times, 1000 times, or more, keeps your heart connected to Allah and cleanses you of sins. The more you repeat it, the more benefits and rewards you gain. There is no limit—each time you seek forgiveness, you are opening the doors to Allah’s mercy and blessings. So, repeat Astaghfirullah as much as you can and experience the peace and comfort it brings.

Conclusion

Practicing Istighfar and reciting Astaghfirullah are powerful spiritual acts that help purify the soul and draw us closer to Allah. Whether you are seeking forgiveness, relief from anxiety, or simply a stronger connection to Allah, Istighfar offers the way. Incorporate this simple yet profound dua into your daily life, and reap the countless rewards of Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Don’t forget: By saying Astaghfirullah 100 times a day, you are following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). So why wait? Start today, and make Istighfar a part of your daily routine.