Before you read:

The word “Istighfar” is similar to the word “Astaghfirullah” both meaning ”I ask Allah for forgiveness.” We say these words to abstains from our wrong doings and to gain forgiveness from Allah. It’sone word that can save you in the next life if you say it continuously with true meaning and intentionally all throughout your life.

Intro:

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.

The story:

During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn’t know anyone in the town. Owing (yet to be paid) to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize 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 be the host to 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 practice 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. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t 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 had not only listened to his dua, but had dragged him onto his (the baker’s) doorsteps.

Lesson to be learnt: This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently. It sure is a powerful word that can help you go towards the right path into the next world. It’s a small step that gives you a big leap into Jannah. We have free time in our hands. I suggest we use it wisely.

Saying Astaghfirullah really doesn’t take all that much effort. The more we use it, well… THE BETTER