Istighfār

التعريف

Asking Allah for pardon — typically by saying 'Astaghfirullāh'. The Prophet ﷺ used to do it more than 70 times each day.

الاشتقاق والجذر

From غ-ف-ر (gh-f-r), 'to cover, veil'. The 'X-form' (istafʿala) gives the meaning of seeking — istighfār is 'asking Allah to cover' one's sins.

الاستخدام في القرآن

'And seek the forgiveness of Allah; indeed Allah is Forgiving, Merciful' (al-Muzzammil 73:20). Nūḥ told his people: 'Seek forgiveness of your Lord; indeed He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send rain upon you in showers, and give you wealth and children' (Nūḥ 71:10–12).

الاستخدام في السنة

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'By Allah, I seek Allah's forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day' (Bukhārī). The master of istighfār (sayyid al-istighfār — Bukhārī) is the most virtuous wording.

ملاحظات علمية

Istighfār is broader than tawbah in tongue but tawbah is broader in concept (it includes istighfār plus the inner conditions). Coupling the two — 'Astaghfiru-llāh wa atūbu ilayh' — is most complete.

التطبيق العملي

Memorise sayyid al-istighfār and say it morning and evening — guarantees Paradise if you die that day. Say 'Astaghfiru-llāh' three times after every farḍ prayer. Make it a default tongue habit when waiting, walking, driving.

المزيد من General Terms