Virtues of Frequent Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)

Source: Maḥnāmah al-Ḥadīth, Ḥaẓro

1. Introduction​

Frequent istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness) occupies a central place in both Qur’an and Sunnah. The following authentic narrations highlight its immense virtue and practical benefits.

2. Key Ahādīth on Istighfar​

❀ Abdullāh ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما reports:
We counted that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would seek forgiveness one hundred times in a sitting, saying:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَتُبْ عَلَيَّ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الْغَفُورُ
“O my Lord! Forgive me and turn to me in repentance; indeed, You are the Oft-Returning, the Most Forgiving.”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1512; Ibn Mājah 3814; Jāmiʿ at-Tirmidhī 3434; Ibn Ḥibbān 2459 — Ṣaḥīḥ)

❀ Abdullāh ibn Basr رضي الله عنه narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whosever has abundant istighfar recorded in his Book of Deeds, for him is Ṭūbā (glad tidings).”
(Sunan Ibn Mājah 3818 — Ḥasan)

◈ Benefit:
Ṭūbā refers to a tree in Paradise or to Paradise itself.
(Marʾah al-Mafātīḥ 62/8)

❀ Al-Aghar al-Muzanī رحمه الله reports the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Sometimes a veil is cast over my heart, and I seek forgiveness one hundred times a day.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2702)

◈ Benefit:
Imam al-Qurṭubī رحمه الله explains that this veil (ghayn) does not imply that sin affected the Prophet’s heart as it affects transgressors—rather it is a mercy and protection, and he will not be held to account for it.
(Al-Mufham 27/7)

Scholarly Explanations (❶–❸):
❶ When a brief pause or slip occurred in his constant dhikr, the Prophet ﷺ sought forgiveness.
❷ He sought forgiveness as an expression of gratitude and servitude.
❸ Upon being informed of the Ummah’s conditions, he invoked forgiveness on their behalf.

For details, see Al-Mufham 26/7–27; Sharḥ al-Abī wa al-Sanūsī on Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 9/103102.

❀ Zayd ibn Ḥārithah رضي الله عنه reports hearing the Prophet ﷺ say:
*“Whoever says:

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

‘I seek forgiveness from Allah—there is no deity but Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer—and I repent to Him,’

then all his sins are forgiven, even if he has fled from the battlefield.”*
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1517; Jāmiʿ at-Tirmidhī 3577 — Ḥasan)

❀ Abū Bakr aṣ-Ṣiddīq رضي الله عنه reports hearing the Messenger ﷺ say:
“If a servant commits a sin, then performs wudū’ properly, prays two rak‘ahs, and then asks Allah for forgiveness, Allah will forgive him.”

He then recited:
وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُوا فَاحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا اللَّهَ
“And those who, when they commit indecency or wrong themselves, remember Allah…” [Âl ʿImrān: 135]
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1521; Jāmiʿ at-Tirmidhī 3006; Ibn Mājah 1395 — Ḥasan)

3. Qur’ānic Encouragements​

﴿وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَأَنْتَ فِيهِمْ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ مُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ﴾
“And Allah would not punish them while you are among them, nor will He punish them while they seek forgiveness.”
[Al-Anfal: 33]

﴿وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا أَوْ يَظْلِمُ نَفْسَهُ ثُمَّ يَسْتَغْفِرِ اللَّهَ يَجِدِ اللَّهَ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا﴾
“And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
[An-Nisa’: 110]

4. Special Encouragement for Women​

❀ The Messenger ﷺ said:
“O womenfolk, give charity and seek forgiveness abundantly, for I saw that the majority of the inhabitants of Hell were women…”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 304; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 79)

5. The Prophet’s ﷺ Personal Practice​

❀ ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها reports that before his passing the Prophet ﷺ frequently recited:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
“Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him; I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 4967; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 484)

6. Conclusion & Dua​

May Allah grant us humility, sincerity, and steadfastness in repentance and istighfar, and accept our efforts. Āmīn.