Istighfar: Difference between revisions

==Effects of istighfar==

According to the Quran and [[hadiths]], istighfar has many constructive, worthwhile effects, such as the reformation of the community, divine blessings, and immunity to this-worldly and afterlife divine punishment.

===Preventing divine punishment===

According to the Quran, 8:33, “Allah was not going to send them a penalty whilst you were amongst them; nor was he going to send it whilst they could ask for pardon”. [[Imam ‘Ali (a)]] said: “there were two things on Earth that provided immunity to divine punishments: the presence of [[the Prophet (s)]] that is not available anymore, but the other one, that is istighfar, is always available; so appeal to it.” He then recited the above Quranic verses.

According to the Quran, 71:10, the prophet [[Noah (a)]] tells his people to ask for divine forgiveness, and then the verse goes on “He is the forgiver (ghaffar)”. The divine attribute, Ghaffar (forgiver), as well as others like Rahim (Merciful) and Wadud (loving), imply that God forgives the sins and gives His mercy to people. According to a [[hadith]], istighfar cleans the effects of the sins from one's soul.

===Increase of livelihood and children===

According to the Quran, 71:11-12, istighfar has as an effect the abundance of rains, removes poverty and helps increase one's livelihood. According to hadiths, istighfar leads to the increase of one's children.

===Well fare and longevity===

Istighfar helps one achieve a good life and wealth, well fare, security, and respect. According to the Quran, “ask forgiveness of your Lord, then turn to Him; He will provide you with a goodly provision to an appointed term and bestow His grace on every one endowed with grace”. The ‘good provision' in the verse has been interpreted as wealth and good material life. However, some people interpreted it as longevity, satisfaction, and turning away from people to God. According to a report, by an appeal to the above Quranic verse, [[Hasan al-Basri]] advised people who suffer from drought, poverty, and lack of children to ask for divine forgiveness.