What is Astaghfirullah - Concept of Astaghfar(Forgiveness) in Islam

Astaghfirullah is actually the action of seeking forgiveness from Allah. This is performed by repeating the Arabic terms Astaghfirullah, indicating ‘’I seek forgiveness from Allah’.’Forgiveness means closing an account of an offense against God or any of His creation

Concept of Astaghfar (Forgiveness) in Islam

The concept of seeking forgiveness in the Qur’an is expressed in three terms, pardon (عفو), excuse (صفح), and forgive (غفر).

1.    (عفو) means to pardon, to excuse for a fault or an offense or a discourtesy, waiver of punishment, and amnesty.

2.    (صفح) means to turn away from sin or a misdeed, ignore, etc.

3.    (غفر) or (مغفرة) means to cover, to forgive, and to remit. As the Quran says,

وإِن تعفوا وتصفحوا وتغفروا فإن الله غفور رحيم

“But if you pardon, overlook, and forgive their faults, then Allah is truly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (64:14)

Holy Quran Guidance about Astaghfirullah

The Holy Qur'an says about seeking forgiveness:

 “And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden the extensiveness of which is the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who guard against evil.” (3:113)

• “And whoever does evil, and oppresses his soul, then seeks forgiveness of Allah, he will find Allah to be Forgiving, Merciful.” (4:110)

• “Will they not turn to Allah and seek His forgiveness, and Allah is oft-forgiving, Merciful.” (5:74)

Guidance from Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) about Astaghfirullah

It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) used to seek forgiveness from Allah more than seventy times a day and in some narrations more than one hundred times a day. Consequently, Muslims are recommended and required to do Astaghfirullah and seek the forgiveness of Allah at least one hundred times a day. Following words of forgiveness are narrated by the Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) when he said: “O Allah: You are my Lord. There is no God but You. You created me and I am Your servant. I am following Your covenant and promise to the best of my ability. I seek refuge in You from the evils that I have done. I profess to You Your bounties upon me and I confess my sins. Forgive me for no one forgives sins except You.”

Also Read: How To Find The Best Quran For Kids Institute

The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said “Whoever says this statement with certainty concerning it in the daytime and dies that day before the evening, he is one of the inhabitants of Paradise; and whoever says this statement with certainty concerning it during the night and dies that night before the morning, he is one of the inhabitants of Paradise.” [Al-Bukhari]

Benefits of Astaghfirullah

People often forget the importance of saying “Astaghfirullah '' (I seek forgiveness from Allah). Seeking forgiveness is important for many reasons.

●       For the life hereafter, one forgives to seek pardon. Seeking forgiveness is a sign of humility and forgiving others is a sign of benevolence

●       Seeking pardon and forgiving others brings happiness in worldly life.

●       Astaghfirullah also helps us to refrain from all forms of sins. Regularly saying this reminds us that Allah is everywhere and in this way, there are very small chances of doing wrongful actions. Ibn Abbas (R.A) said: The Messenger of Allah(P.B.U.H) 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 for him from where he expects not.”[Abu Dawud]

The virtue of seeking pardon is well-known, it is a reason for obtaining forgiveness, entering Paradise, having good provisions, increasing one’s strength, repelling harm, having affairs facilitated, the descent of rain, and increasing wealth and children. The doors of repentance are always open therefore don’t delay your repentance in a hope of tomorrow, as tomorrow is uncertain. Repent now and make it a habit to ask Allah’s forgiveness by reciting “Astaghfirullah”.