As a human, tawbah istighfar we all have that reverence instinct which naturally motivates and pushes us to submit to the Almighty. In every religion, the concept of seeking forgiveness for one’s sins is of elementary nature and the methodology changes as we move across different religions. The very concept is explained by Islam and exercised by Muslims under the terminologies “Tawbah” and “Istighfar.”
What Tawbah and Istaghfar Meant?
Tawbah Istaghfar is an Arabic word with origin from Quran which means “a Retreat” or “Return”. According to both sources i.e. the Qur’an and the Hadith, the word incorporates to refer to the act of abstaining from what Allah has forbidden and submitted to what He has commanded. Similarly, the basis of Istighfar is actually “ghafaar,” which implies “to cover up.” Regarding Islamic terminology, Istighfar is interpreted as to seek firmness from Allah to refrain from evil, and to be able to exhibit this strength to keep away from transgression.
Difference between the Two Phenomena
Istighfar and Tawbah are discrete concepts. The ability and strength of character for Tawbah (repentance) can only be derived after practicing Istighfar. The reason behind happiness and success, this is that one is unable to do anything without the will of Allah SWT. Repentance can be exercised only by steadfastness granted by Him through Istighfar.
How to Perform Tawbah and Istighfar
The process of Tawbah Istighfar as mentioned in Shariah can be categorized into the following steps:
- Realizing and acknowledging one’s sins and wrongdoings
- Feeling conscience-struck for breaking the covenant of complete submission
- Pledge to stay away from similar conduct again and ask for strength in doing so
- Implement the promise practically
The most convenient and effective way to perform Istighfar is to continuously recite Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah) throughout the day to abstain from doing wrong and stay away from sin.
Importance of Repentance (Tawbah and Istaghfar)
Allah SWT loves those people who leave what is undesirable to Allah Almighty and walk on the path for seeking His pleasure.
Paves the Way to Success
The act of Tawbah Istighfar is very dear to Allah SWT and is the route to success as revealed in Surah Al-Noor, verse: 31
Keeps trails and hardships away
Sins haunt and preoccupy us and cause trouble in life and hereafter. The more we sin, the more we get deprived of the bounties and blessings of Allah SWT. The only repentance can take us out of troubles and miseries. Quran narrates
Brings Good Fortune and Favors from Allah
Those who keep repenting and make tawbah istaghfar their habit gets unlimited favors from Allah. The promise is made by the Al-Mighty Allah himself in Quran;
“Seek forgiveness of your Allah and repent to Him, (and) He will allow you to enjoy a good provision for a specified term and reward his favor to every doer”. Quran; 11:3
There is no human on earth who can prevent himself from sin, and repentance (tawbah istaghfar) is the only way to cleanse off our spirits from the negative effects of bad deeds. Allah loves those who get on track and start doing good deeds after repenting.
Conclusion
If we are engaged in s sinful behavior, then it is fundamental that we stop acting upon it and ask for forgiveness from Allah The Ghafoor. May Allah SWT put us on the right path; Ameen.
