Have you ever felt like you are working hard, making du'a, doing everything right — yet barakah still seems just out of reach? Your rizq feels tight. Your time feels thin. Your efforts feel like they disappear into sand. What if the door you have been searching for is not a new strategy or a longer to-do list — but simply the words Astaghfirullah? The Prophet ﷺ — sinless and beloved — sought Allah's forgiveness 70 to 100 times every single day. There is a wisdom in that far deeper than ritual. This post explores it.
📌 A note before we begin: This is a faith and wellness reflection, not medical advice. Anxiety is a real condition; these practices are spiritual support, not a clinical cure. If you have severe anxiety, please seek professional help.
What Is Istighfar — and Why Does It Matter?
Istighfar (اِسْتِغْفَار) comes from the root gh-f-r, meaning to cover, protect, and shield. When we say Astaghfirullah, we are not just apologising. We are asking Allah — Al-Ghaffar (The Repeatedly Forgiving) — to cover our shortcomings and restore us to His mercy.
It is one of the most repeated practices in the entire Sunnah. Despite being free of sin, the Prophet ﷺ would make istighfar constantly. His Companion Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrated:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'By Allah, I seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times in a day.'" (Sahih Bukhari, 6307 | Graded Sahih)
If the Prophet ﷺ — the most beloved creation of Allah — maintained this practice constantly, what does that tell us about our own need for it?
What the Qur'an Says About Istighfar and Rizq
فَقُلْتُ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ غَفَّارًا يُرْسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا وَيُمْدِدْكُم بِأَمْوَٰلٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَـٰرًا
"And I said: 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send rain upon you in continuing showers, and give you increase in wealth and children, and provide for you gardens, and provide for you rivers.'"
Surah Nuh, 71:10–12
وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًا وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ
"And whoever has taqwa of Allah — He will make for him a way out, and He will provide for him from where he does not expect."
Surah At-Talaq, 65:2–3
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should I say Astaghfirullah daily?
70–100 times daily is sunnah. 10 times after each salah is a good start.
Will istighfar increase my rizq?
Yes, by Allah's promise in Surah Nuh and hadith. It may come as unexpected provision or barakah in what you have.
I keep repeating sins, is my istighfar accepted?
Yes, Allah is Al-Ghaffar. Return sincerely each time.
🌿
Nazia Firdous
Founder of Sabr and Sukoon — an Islamic wellness blog for Muslim women.
Disclaimer: Personal blog. Not a scholar or therapist. Verify hadith at
sunnah.com.
Really nice information
ReplyDeleteEvery time when I read it's pour sakooon to my hurt
ReplyDelete