Formula For Seeking Forgiveness
Istighfar ( seeking forgiveness from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala ) has many virtues and benefits beside the greatest benefit, which is the forgiveness of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. The Prophet Peace be upon him said, "Whoever holds fast to Istighfar, Allah will create for him an exit from every difficulty and freedom from every sorrow, and provide for him from where he had not even imagined." (Abu Dawud)
The Qur'an records the Prophet Nuh's alayhi wasallam advice to his people:
Imam Al-Qurtubi raheem al houl allah writes that a person once came to Al-Hasan Al-Basri raheem al houl allah and complained of being afflicted with drought. Al-Hasan Al-Basri raheem al houl allah advised him to seek the forgiveness of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Another person complained of poverty, to which he replied, "Seek the forgiveness of Allah." Another asked him to make du'a to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala that he be given a child, to which he again advised, "Seek the forggiveness of Allah." Another complained that his garden had dried up, and was advised the same: "Seek the forgiveness of Allah." When asked why he had given the same answer to all those who had come to him with various needs he replied that he was not giving them any advice of his own, but only repeating what Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala promised in the aforementioned ayah.
Due to many benefits we are able to acquire through istighfar we should make it part of our daily routine to recite it in abundance. The Prophet Peace be upon him said, "Glad tidings be to the one who finds in his book of deeds an abundance of istighfar." (Ibn Majah) Istighfar should be done when supplicating to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, and can be done at any other moment during the day or night. We may read any formula of istighfar, be it استغفر الله ربي من كل ذنب واتوب إليه , استغفر الله الذي لا إله إلا هو الحي القيوم وأتوب إليه , or merely استغفر الله Peace be upon him.
It occurred to this unworthy one to make a compilation of all the formula of Istighfar that appear in the Qur'an, so that we may seek Allah's forgiveness using those most eloquent of words too. This compilation me be read at any time as as often as desired. Keeping in mind the many benefits and virtues istighfar holds, it should be read at least once daily, if not more frequently. Insha'allah, it will bring enormous benefits in both worlds. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala accept this humble effort and make it a means of forgiveness, and may He grant us all the benefits of istighfar. Amin.
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