Power of “Istighfar” (A moving story)

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. Imam Ahmed is also considered to

be the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh

(Islamic jurisprudence) and is one of the most

celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred

to as the "Sheikh ul-Islam" or the "Imam of

Ahl al-Sunnah."

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 (seek 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]

This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar

(seeking forgiveness) frequently. Let’s remember that

the prophet used to say Istighfar frequently during

the day. Tafseer Al-Qurtubi states:

A man complained to Al-Hasan about a drought, and

he said to him: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”

Another man complained to him of poverty and he

said to him: “Pray to Allah to forgive you.”

Another man said to him: “Pray to Allah to bless me

with a child.” He said: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”

Another complained to him that his garden was dry.

He said to him: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”


He was asked about it and he said: “This is not my

personal opinion, for Allah says in Surah Nooh

(interpretation of the meaning): ‘Ask forgiveness

from your Lord, verily, He is Oft Forgiving; He will

send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase

in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens

and bestow on you rivers.” Tafseer Al-Qurtubi

(18/301-302)

One of the narrators of a Hadith was asked about

the manner in which forgiveness is to be sought,

to which he answered: "The Messenger of Allah

(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say:

‘Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah

for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness)’.”

[Sahih Muslim].

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“Sedekah itu akan menjadi penghalang kepada

sesuatu bencana" . (Maksud Hadith)

Dato' Hj. Mustafa Kamal bin Mohd Zaini (hp: 019-2149345)
President, ACT Malaysia www.actmalaysia.org.my

Special Project 1431-1432 Hijrah:
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(Hadith Riwayat Tirmidzi)

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