In Islam, there are numerous expressions used by millions of Muslims worldwide, and each holds its significance: Al hamduliLlah, InchaAllah, Barakallah Oufik, Wallah… Among them, there is “Astaghfirullah”. Istighfar is an important aspect of Islamic faith and is considered a means to purify the soul and seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah. But what is its meaning and when should it be used? We shed light on this matter for you.
What is “Astaghfirullah”?
It is a widely used invocation by Muslims. It comes from two words: “Astaghfiru”, derived from the root “gh-f-r” meaning “to ask for forgiveness“, and “Allah“, which means “God” in Arabic. Thus, “Astaghfirullah” can be translated as “I ask for forgiveness from Allah” or “I seek the forgiveness of God” in English.
Usage of “Astaghfirullah”
This expression is used in Islam to seek God’s forgiveness and express regret for one’s sins. Muslims use this phrase in various situations to repent and seek divine absolution. Here are some common situations where it is employed:
- After committing a sin: When a Muslim acknowledges having committed a wrongful act, they may say this expression to show their sincere repentance.
- In meditation and prayer: Many Muslims recite the Istighfar when engaging in acts of devotion, such as prayer or reading the Quran, to purify their hearts and souls.
- During times of difficulty: When a person is going through difficult times, they can say this phrase to ask for God’s help and to calm their mind.
- To remember humility: Regular use of this expression reminds believers of their humility and their dependence on Allah.
Importance in Islam
This expression holds a central place in the spiritual life of Muslims. It is an act of humility and seeking forgiveness. It is considered an essential step to renew one’s faith, draw closer to God, and purify oneself from sins. The Quran makes numerous references to seeking forgiveness from Allah, emphasizing its importance in a believer’s life.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught that seeking forgiveness is a means to find inner peace and reconcile with Allah. He said: “By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him more than 70 times each day.” This consistent practice was an example of the Prophet’s piety.
Authentic Hadiths
Here are some authentic Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet) that support the importance of Istighfar in Islam:
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him more than 70 times each day.” (Source: Sahih al-Bukhari)
This Hadith highlights the importance of the Prophet’s daily and regular seeking of forgiveness.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Certainly, I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him more than a hundred times a day.” (Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith emphasizes the frequency and significance of seeking forgiveness in the Prophet’s daily life.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever does not seek forgiveness from Allah, Allah is displeased with him.” (Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith stresses the importance of seeking forgiveness from God to avoid His displeasure.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When a servant commits a sin and says, ‘Astaghfirullah’ (I seek forgiveness from Allah), Allah says: ‘I have forgiven him; My servant knows that he has a Lord who forgives sins and also punishes sinners.'” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This Hadith highlights Allah’s mercy and forgiveness in response to sincere repentance.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever repents from a sin, it is as if he has not committed it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
This Hadith encourages believers to sincerely repent and seek forgiveness from God.
These authentic Hadiths underline the importance and benefits of Istighfar in a Muslim’s life, showing that it is a practice encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad himself, leading to obtaining forgiveness and mercy from Allah for those who practice it sincerely.
How do you write “Astaghfirullah”?
“استغفر الله” is generally written in different ways, but its pronunciation remains essentially the same. Here are some common variants of its Arabic spelling:
- “أستغفر الله” (Astaghfirullah): This is the most common form to ask for Allah’s forgiveness.
- “أستغفر الله العظيم” (Astaghfirullah al-Azim): This variant includes the adjective “al-Azim”, meaning “The Great”, to strengthen the call for divine forgiveness.
- “أستغفر الله العظيم الذي لا إله إلا هو الحي القيوم وأتوب إليه” (Astaghfirullah al-Azim alladhi la ilaha illa huwa al-Hayy al-Qayyum wa atubu ilayh): This is a longer formulation including attributes of God and expressing repentance.
- “أستغفر الله وأتوب إليه” (Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh): A shorter and more commonly used version to ask for Allah’s forgiveness and express repentance.
Each of these variations can be used depending on the situation and intention, but they all aim to ask for the forgiveness and mercy of Allah.
“Soubhan Allah” (سبحان الله) is often used to glorify or magnify Allah (SWT), but it is sometimes written similarly to “Astaghfirullah”. However, they have different meanings.
Conclusion
“Astaghfirullah”, widely used within the Muslim community, is much more than a simple expression. It is a manifestation of faith, humility, and the pursuit of divine mercy in Islam. By seeking Allah’s forgiveness, Muslims renew their commitment to righteousness, piety, and spiritual purification. This formula, which was constantly used by our Prophet (peace be upon him), is a deeply ingrained practice in Islamic spirituality, reminding believers of their dependence on God’s grace.
