Power of Istighfar (A moving story)
This story about Istighfar is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian. Imam Ahmed is also considered to be the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and is one of the most celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred to as the "Sheikh ul-Islam" or the "Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah".
During his old age, Imam Ahmed was travelling and stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay the night in the masjid yard because he didnt know anyone in town. Out of his humbleness, he hadnt introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.
Having not recognized Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to host him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seek forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant act of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. On asking what dua was it that hadnt been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.
On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah not only had listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the bakers) doorsteps. [Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7]
This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently. Lets remember that the prophet used to say Istighfar frequently during the day. Tafseer Al-Qurtubi states:
A man complained to Al-Hasan about a drought, and he said to him: Pray to Allah for forgiveness.
Another man complained to him of poverty and he said to him: Pray to Allah to forgive you.
Another man said to him: Pray to Allah to bless me with a child. He said: Pray to Allah for forgiveness.
Another complained to him that his garden was dry. He said to him: Pray to Allah for forgiveness.
He was asked about it and he said: This is not my personal opinion, for Allah says in Surah Nooh (interpretation of the meaning): Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is Oft Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers. Tafseer Al-Qurtubi (18/301-302)
One of the narrators of a Hadith was asked about the manner in which forgiveness is to be sought to which he answered: "The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to say: `Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness). [Sahih Muslim].
Astagfirullah is a powerful prayer that Muslims can recite for forgiveness. It's a simple word that can be whispered silently in the heart and doesn't need any formal structure. You can also pair it with other Dua for forgiveness to help cleanse your sins more effectively.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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