The Power of Istighfar
Bismillah
Four years ago, I began reciting Istighfar during long walks, sometimes for half an hour, sometimes even longer. I started quietly and sincerely, without expecting anything. But as time passed, I noticed a shift, not just in my life, but deep within my heart.
This consistent dhikr transformed my heart, eased my mind, and reshaped my life in ways I never imagined possible.
What is Istighfar?
Istighfar, seeking forgiveness from Allah, is a powerful form of worship. It’s not only about asking to be pardoned from sin. It’s about returning to Allah, surrendering the weight of the world, and opening your heart to divine peace and provision.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send rain from the sky upon you in continuing showers and give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and rivers.”
(Surah Nuh: 10–12)
The Lens of the Heart
The heart is the lens through which we view the world. If that lens is clouded with sin, distractions, and spiritual heaviness, everything we perceive becomes distorted. Life feels more confusing, decisions become harder, and we may feel disconnected from our true selves.
But when we consistently clean that lens, through Istighfar and sincere repentance, our inner vision becomes sharp, clear, and aligned. We begin to see life for what it truly is, with wisdom, peace, and clarity. Just like a physical lens needs cleaning to function correctly, so does the heart.
Istighfar is that spiritual polish. It cleans the stains we can’t always see, and allows our inner self to return to a state of fitrah—purity and awareness.
The Timeless Advice of a Scholar
One story that always touches my heart is from Imam Hasan Al-Basri. Three people came to him with very different struggles:
One said, “I am suffering from poverty.”
Another said, “We are experiencing drought.”
The third said, “We want children.”
To each one, the Imam gave the same advice:
“Say Astaghfirullah.”
When his students asked why, he pointed to the Qur’an, where Allah connects forgiveness to provision, rain, children, and blessings.
This story affirmed for me that Istighfar is not just about the past—it’s about building a better future.
How Istighfar Helped Me with Anxiety
One of the most profound changes I experienced through Istighfar was emotional healing.
There were times I felt utterly overwhelmed—anxious, uncertain, and mentally drained. I would overthink every decision and feel weighed down by the smallest problems.
But when I began regularly reciting Astaghfirullah wa atoobu ilayh, something shifted. A calmness began to settle in my heart. Slowly, the anxiety that once consumed me began to fade.
It wasn’t instant, but it was real.
Istighfar gave me space to breathe, to pause, and to heal.
It Helped Me Make Better Decisions
Along with that, peace came with clarity. I began making better decisions—personally, professionally, and spiritually.
I started trusting my intuition more, knowing it was rooted in tawakkul (trust in Allah).
I found myself less reactive and more intentional.
I stopped rushing and started reflecting.
The daily act of returning to Allah SWT helped me align my decisions with what truly mattered. And when I didn’t know which direction to take, Istighfar opened the path.
My Journey: From Dua to Reality
Here’s what unfolded in my life after committing to regular Istighfar:
I was invited to perform Umrah, Alhamdulillah.
Soon after, I received the most incredible honour—an invitation to perform Hajj.
I launched Deen Diaries, a business I had dreamed of for years.
Rizq flowed in unexpected ways.
I felt more spiritually grounded than ever before.
أَسْـتَـغْـفِـرُ اللهَ وَ أَ تُـوبُ إِ لَـْيهِ
“I seek forgiveness from Allah and I repent to Him.”
The Prophet ﷺ Promised This
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“If anyone continually asks forgiveness, Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress, relief from every anxiety, and will provide for him from where he never imagined.”
(Abu Dawood, Hadith 5991)
This Hadith was no longer a concept to me—it became my truth.
Your Invitation to Begin
No matter where you are in life—whether you’re struggling, searching, or simply seeking more—start with Istighfar.
Say: Astaghfirullah wa atoobu ilayh.
Say it slowly. Sincerely. Repeatedly.
Watch how Allah softens your heart, opens your path, and surrounds you with His mercy.
May Allah forgive, guide, and make us among those who never tire of seeking His mercy.
Ameen.
With love and duas
Deen Diaries