The literal meaning of Istighfar is to seek Forgiveness from Allah SWT. Verily, a true believer thinks about Istighfar and recites it too often. He or she knows that Istighfar has a great importance. Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah (R.A.) says It is more crucial than any other supplications to mention Istighfar. Don’t we want to discover the best way to ask Allah for forgiveness? The reply to this query is Sayyidul Istighfar.
What is Sayyidul Istighfar?
Undoubtedly, the best way of forgiveness is Sayyidul Istighfar. The title Sayyidul Istighfar itself defines its meaning; Referring it to be the most supreme (Sayyidul) way of asking for Forgiveness from Allah SWT (Istighfar). Sayyidul Istighfar hadith depict its importance.
A hadith in Bukhari Shareef (6306) mentions that:
Shaddad b. Aws (R.A.) narrated:
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “The most superior manner of seeking forgiveness is Sayyidul istighfar. Whoever says it during the day with a firm belief in it and dies on the same day before evening, he will be from the people of Paradise. And if anyone says it during the night with a firm belief in it and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise.”
Indeed, Allah SWT has created easy ways for His servants. So we must learn, recite, and teach Sayyidul Istighfar to our family and friends. This can pave the way for Jannah!
Virtues of Sayyidul Istighfar
And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped.
Verily, this verse (54) of Surah Az-Zumar tells us the importance of repentance before punishment. Hence, we should repent all the time. And we should also follow the Sunnah and recite Sayyidul Istighfar day and night at least once. It is indeed an easy and great way to be guided towards the goodness in this world and Hereafter. Having firm belief in Sayyidul Istighfar is another element that needs to be fulfilled.
Note: The verse 17th of Surah An-Nisa states that:
The repentance accepted by Allah is only for those who do wrong in ignorance [or carelessness] and then repent soon after. It is those to whom Allah will turn in forgiveness, and Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
Hence, we must always be eager to gain knowledge and guidance from the Quran and Sunnah. As human, we will definitely make a lot of mistakes. So, we must ask for Allah’s forgiveness more and more. And never forget to include Sayyidul Istighfar in our daily Dhikr and Dua.
Benefits of Sayyidul Istighfar
The hadith has clearly stated the benefit of Sayyidul Istighfar. Perhaps, being the “People of Paradise” accounts for the greatest benefit of the Sayyidul istighfar. Let’s explore some more benefits.
- Sayyidul Istighfar is the most superior way of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and saving ourselves from punishment. Hence, it benefits the reciter to have his sins forgiven most supremely.
The verse 33 in Surah Al-Anfaal states that:
“But Allah would not punish them while you, [O Muhammad], are among them, and Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.”
- Sayyidul Istighfar makes the goal of being the People of Paradise reachable.
- Sayyidul Istghfar is also a kind of supplication that makes us closer to Allah SWT.
- Sayyidul Istighfar is a way to increase our strength and bring the rain of blessings.
As it is mentioned in Surah Hud verse 52 that:
“And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [ rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals.”
- Sayyidul Istighfar helps in being reminded that we as humans make many mistakes knowingly as well as unknowingly. But Sayyidul Istighfar can make us ponder upon it while its recitation with full belief.
- Sayyidul Istighfar is also a form of Ibadaah that can make us earn great rewards from Allah SWT.
- Sayyidul Istighfar increases our Rizq and makes us come out from poverty, difficulties, and sorrows.
- Knowing Sayyidul Istighfar meaning helps us in knowing about the Mercy of Allah, The
- Most Merciful.
Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A.) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“Allah Azza Wa-Jal will provide a route out of poverty and difficulty for the one who (regularly)
says Istighfaar, which is to constantly apologize to Allah Ta’aala for faults committed. Every
suffering and difficulty will be eliminated, and prosperity and contentment will be bestowed in
their place. One will get nourishment from unanticipated and unexpected sources.
Sayyidul Istighfar in Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لّا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْت،
خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ،
وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْت،
أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْت،
أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ
عَلَيَّ، وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِر لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ
الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Sayyidul Istighfar in English (Transliteration)
Allahumma anta rabbee la ilaha illa ant, khalaqtanee wa-ana AAabduk, wa-ana AAala AAahdika wawaAAdika mas-tataAAt, aAAoothu bika min sharri ma sanaAAt, aboo-o laka biniAAmatika AAalay, wa-aboo-o bithanbee, faghfir lee fa-innahu la yaghfiruth-thunooba illa ant.
Sayyidul Istighfar English meaning:
‘O Allaah, You’re my Lord, none has the suitable to be worshipped besides You, You created me and I’m Your servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as finest I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I dedicated. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin besides You.’
When to recite Sayyidul Istighfar
We should recite Sayyidul Istighfar twice a day. We can recite it after our Morning Prayer or morning Dhikr and Azkar. Also, we must include it in our evening Azkars. So, we recite Sayyidul Istighfar once a day and once at night. So learn Sayyidul Istighfar dua and also teach it to your family and friends.
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FAQs
- what is istighfar
Istighfar is a way to seek Allah’s forgiveness. It is one of the most important parts of Daily Dhikr and Azkar
- What is the difference between Istighfar and Astaghfirullah?
The literal Istighfar meaning is “Pray to Allah.” It is recited when a person wants protection
from the consequences of his bad behavior. Whereas, the meaning of Astaghfirullah is “I ask
forgiveness in Allah.”
- Which Surah is Sayyidul Istighfar?
Sayyidul Istighfar is not a Surah but a supreme form of Istighfar that helps in seeking Allah’s
forgiveness. Sayyidul Istighfar in Quran is not mentioned but this supplication has high
importance.
- What is the reward of Sayyidul Istighfar?
Sayyidul Istighfar helps us in:
● Receiving Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness
● Getting sins forgiven
● Instilling goodness in the heart and performing good deeds
● Developing love for Allah.
