:: STORY ABOUT ISTIGHFAR::

This story about “Istighfar” is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian.
During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn’t know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.
Failing to recognize Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from ALLAH). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking ALLAH to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.
On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that ALLAH had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker’s) doorsteps.
[Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7]

♥ Astaghfirullah ( i seek forgiveness from Allah )

By simply reciting Astaghfirullah, a believer easily gets forgiveness for any wrongdoings. You can choose to request for forgiveness from the Almighty ALLAH for other people as well. It is like asking ALLAH to forgive all male and also female believers. For every one of the believers that you have prayed for, ALLAH forgives them inshAllah and you might even get a reward for making this dua. Regularly saying this particular expression reminds the Muslim that ALLAH is everywhere and thus reduces the chances of doing wrongful actions.

♥ Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

If anyone continually asks pardon, ALLAH will appoint for him a way out of every distress, and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide for him from where he did not reckon.

[Abu Dawud Book 8, Number 1513]