Seeking Forgiveness - Istighfar
” I wish to say that it is incredibly vital, especially during the month of Ramadan, when everyone should strive to recite at least one full part [juz’] of the Holy Quran daily so that they can complete an entire reading. “
(Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) – Friday Sermon 22nd March 2024)
Dive into the Holy Qur’an 🤲
The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.
Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2, Verse 186)
“Spend the next/following ten days of Ramadan seeking help and power from God and that power is of Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from God). “
(Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon, 10th July 2015)
Continue these Good Habits Beyond Ramadan 📅
The Meaning of Istighfar
The word Istighfar means Praying for forgiveness, the second set of ten days within ramadan according to the Holy Prophet (sa) is seeking forigveness.
Aspect one of Istighfar
In one, the sinner seeks divine forgiveness for the sins he has committed in the past or prays to ward off sins to which he is a prey.
Aspect two of Istighfar
The person concerned prays to God that his tendency towards sin be suppressed altogether and not even a vestige of sin should touch him through His grace. It is in this sense that Prophets seek Istighfar of God.
5 Ways To Reprent Sins
1
Genuine remorse over past sins. This is a permanent state of the heart.
2
Fulfilling the obligations that were left unfulfilled. For instance, to perform pilgrimage to the Kaaba if it has not been performed already. But neglect of prayer cannot be made good like this. For such default the only recourse left is to seek forgiveness of God.
3
Seeking pardon of each person affected by the sinner’s defaults, such as God has caused to be forgotten.
4
Doing compensatory favours to those who have suffered at one’s hands.
5
Firm resolve not to commit an evil act again.
It is narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sa) said:
“A servant committed a sin and then said, ‘O Allah, forgive me my sins.’ Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said, ‘My servant committed a sin and then he realised that he has a Lord Who forgives sins and holds the sinner accountable.’
He then sinned again and said, ‘My Lord, forgive me my sin.’ Allah, the Exalted and High, said, ‘My servant committed a sin and then came to realise that he has a Lord Who would forgive his sin or hold him accountable.’
He again sinned and said, ‘My Lord, forgive me for my sin.’ Allah, the Exalted and High, said, ‘My servant has
((Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-tawbah, Hadith 2758a)
The true meaning of Istighfar is to pray to God that He may remove the possibility of any transgression or error which a person might commit due to the weakness of human nature, and that He may cover his faults and not allow them to be exposed.
The meaning of Istighfar also extends to the common people, and, in their case, it means: to pray to God that He may protect the supplicant from evil consequences and poisonous influences of his transgressions and misdeeds, both in this world and the hereafter.
The source of true salvation, therefore, is personal love for God, which, in turn, draws His love through man’s humility, supplication and constant Istighfar.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (May Allah Be his Helper) states:
“Allah is so forgiving in ordinary times then during Ramadan His mercy must shower down. Fortunate are those who take advantage of His mercy and His forgiveness”
(Friday Sermon – 19th September 2008)
There was a humble sinner standing next to a decorated virtuous person. The seemingly virtuous person said to the sinner, “I swear to God, Allah will never forgive you.”
On this, people started whispering to each other and some said that the “Holy man” was correct and that his sins were too enormous to be forgiven.
A voice came from the throne of the Almighty, “O person, who are you to swear by our forgiveness? O sinner, you are forgiven. As for you, we will decide about you later.” On this, the sinner laughed and hopped his way to heaven in joy.