Meaning of Istighfar: Definition and Its Extraordinary Benefits

Kapanlagi.com - Istighfar is one of the acts of apologizing or seeking forgiveness from Allah performed by Muslims. This action is done repeatedly in the phrase astaghfirullah, which means "I seek forgiveness from Allah". Therefore, the meaning of istighfar itself is an activity to seek forgiveness from Allah SWT.

Becoming an activity of seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT that is done, it is not surprising that istighfar has extraordinary benefits for the body and soul. In fact, istighfar becomes the gate of relief and happiness. Because by uttering istighfar, Allah SWT will help in every difficulty that exists.

For KLovers who want to understand the meaning of istighfar more deeply, here are the meanings of istighfar along with the types and benefits of istighfar for oneself. Let's check it out KLovers.

1. Meaning of Istighfar

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As previously explained, the meaning of istighfar in general terms is to seek forgiveness from Allah SWT. Istighfar is a practice of worship or an act of asking for forgiveness from Allah SWT. In the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), astagfirullah has three meanings.

Yes, the first meaning is, may Allah forgive me, then the second is an exclamation expressing a mixture of surprise and sadness, and the last one is a cry of surrendering oneself to Allah in order to be forgiven. Therefore, uttering istighfar is a recommended and important act in Islamic teachings.

The meaning of istighfar or astagfirullah as a recitation of istighfar is not only about how fluent Muslims are in pronouncing it, but also about how deeply they internalize and practice to always remember Allah SWT. Because sincerity and devotion to Allah SWT are the keys to obtaining a peaceful heart and feelings.

2. Types of Istighfar

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After knowing the meaning of istighfar, of course, we need to know the types of istighfar. Yes, istighfar has its own types and we can do istighfar according to what we need. And here are some of those types of istighfar:

1. Short Istighfar

"Astaghfirullah"

Meaning: I seek forgiveness from Allah.

2. Istighfar of the Prophet Before His Death

"Subhanallahi wabihamdih, astaghfirullaha wa atuubu ilaih"

Meaning: Glory be to Allah and all praise be to Him. I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him.

3. Istighfar as the Eraser of Major Sins

"Astaghfirullah, alladzi la ilaha illa huwal hayyul qayyumu wa atuubu ilaih""

Meaning: I seek forgiveness from Allah, the One who there is no deity except Him. The Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting.

And I repent to Him.

4. Seeking Forgiveness in a Gathering

"Rabbighfirli wa tub 'alaiya, innaka antat tawwabur rahiim"

Meaning: O my Sustainer, forgive me and grant me repentance. Verily, You are the One who accepts repentance and is Merciful.

5. Seeking Forgiveness During Prayer Before Salam

"Allahumma inni dhalamtu nafsi dhulman katsira, wala yaghfirudz dzunuba illa anta, faghfirlii maghfiratan min indik, warhamnii innaka antal ghafurur rahiim"

Meaning: O Allah, indeed I have wronged myself with much wrongdoing, and no one forgives sins except You. Forgive me with forgiveness from You and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

3. Benefits of Istighfar

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And finally, the benefit of seeking forgiveness. Everything commanded by Allah SWT is for the good of humanity. The same goes for seeking forgiveness, which has extraordinary benefits for humans. Here are the benefits of seeking forgiveness that you can experience both externally and internally:

1. Relieving Excessive Worry

The first benefit of seeking forgiveness is that it can relieve excessive worry. It is known that the Prophet often sought forgiveness, asking for forgiveness at least seventy times a day. Abdullah bin 'Amr narrated from Abu Bakr As-Siddiq that he said,

"O Messenger of Allah, teach me a supplication that I can recite in prayer." He, Muhammad SAW, said: "Say: 'O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and no one forgives sins except You.'" So forgive me with Your forgiveness, and have mercy on me, indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."

2. Bringing Us Closer to Allah SWT

Allah SWT loves His servants who always seek forgiveness from Him. The more forgiveness they seek and the fewer sins they commit, the closer Allah SWT will be to them. And with their closeness to Allah SWT, Allah will grant them more paths of goodness.

3. Always in Good Deeds

The Messenger of Allah SWT said, "Allah, the Almighty, has said: 'O son of Adam, I forgive you as long as you pray to Me and hope for My forgiveness, no matter how great your sins are. O son of Adam, I do not care if your sins reach the sky, as long as you seek my forgiveness, I will forgive you.'" (HR.Tirmidzi).

So by seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT, you will always be in good deeds. Because Allah is always with those who always repent. Yes, the closer a servant is to Allah SWT, the more it will make them closer to good deeds.

4. Giving Us Strength

The Qur'an says, "...ask forgiveness from your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength." [Quran 11:52].

The world will always give us trials that sometimes make us fall and feel weak. However, with istighfar, we have the strength to give someone strength and patience mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

5. Always Happy and Getting Blessings

Your life will be easier if lived according to the guidance of Allah SWT. That's because the heart will be more peaceful, and thus the heart will become happier. So we live with health and radiate positivity to those around us. Even by doing istighfar, it will open the door of blessings for anyone who does it sincerely for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, "Whoever is always in a state of repentance, then Allah will give him joy in sadness, and spaciousness in his tightness, and provide him with blessings from unexpected directions." (HR.Ibn Majah).

That is the meaning of istighfar that you can understand and internalize as a Muslim. Indeed, Allah SWT is always with His servants. Especially those who always strive to be close to Allah SWT by frequently reciting istighfar wherever they are.

(kpl/gen/dhm)