The Significance of Astaghfar

Allah is the most Beneficent and Merciful. While one of His attributes is *Al-Qahhar* (The All-Subduer), the Quran reveals countless verses where Allah shows His mercy as *Ar-Rahim* (The Merciful), *Al-Karim* (The Generous), *Al-Ghaffar* (The Forgiving), *Al-Aziz* (The Mighty), and more. Allah’s love for His creation is unparalleled. He never burdens a soul beyond its capacity and loves His creation more than seventy times a mother’s love for her child. Reflecting on a mother’s love—how she stays awake through her child’s hardships—makes it unimaginable that Allah would wish to harm us or punish us unjustly.

Instead, Allah has provided us a way to avoid sins, seek forgiveness, and attain Jannah (Paradise). That way is *Astaghfar* (seeking forgiveness). Let me share a beautiful incident that illustrates the blessings of Astaghfar:

The Story of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal

Once, the great scholar Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal traveled from his town to another and stayed in a mosque. After the Isha prayer, he tried to rest, but the mosque’s caretaker asked him to leave, as he was not allowed to stay. As Imam Ahmad was removed, a baker nearby witnessed the scene and felt pity for the old man. The baker invited Imam Ahmad to his home for the night.

That night, the baker continuously performed Astaghfar while working. In the morning, Imam Ahmad asked him, “I noticed you spent the entire night seeking forgiveness. Is this your routine?” The baker replied, “Yes, I always do Astaghfar.” Imam Ahmad then asked, “What blessings have you received from Allah through this practice?” The baker replied, “Through Astaghfar, Allah has fulfilled all my wishes except one.” Imam Ahmad inquired, “What is that wish?” The baker said, “I wished to meet Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal.”

Smiling, Imam Ahmad replied, “SubhanAllah! Allah has brought me to your doorstep. I am Ahmad bin Hanbal.”

(Source: *Al Jumuah Magazine*, Vol 19, Issue 7)

Lessons from Astaghfar

SubhanAllah! Look at the blessings those people received. Why was that? Why do we sometimes feel our prayers remain unanswered, even though we worship, perform Astaghfar, and fast? The difference lies in the spirit and sincerity with which they performed these acts. Today, many of us treat good deeds as mere formalities. We may pray, fast, and seek forgiveness, but our hearts lack true devotion.

If we return to the essence of Islam, follow the teachings of the Quran and Hadith with sincerity, and perform acts of worship with the core of our hearts, Allah will surely accept our prayers and fulfill our duas. He may even send angels to assist us and bless us beyond measure.

Let us refocus on our origins and bend before Allah with true humility. May Allah guide us on the right path and grant us the strength to seek forgiveness through Astaghfar. Ameen.

Written by Learn Quran Academy Staff