**Unlocking the Doors of Allah’s Blessings**
**Jakarta, Indonesia -** Seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT is a fundamental practice in Islamic teachings. Istighfar, or seeking forgiveness, is not just an acknowledgment of sins committed but also the first step in the process of repentance and self-renewal.
**The Significance of Istighfar in Islam**
In Islam, istighfar is believed to hold great virtues and bring abundant blessings from Allah SWT. In the Quran, Allah SWT states that He is the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful, and He always welcomes the repentance of His sincere servants. Every time a Muslim sincerely and wholeheartedly says istighfar, they open the doors to receive His mercy and forgiveness. Istighfar is also a form of acknowledging the greatness of Allah SWT and the humility of humans as vulnerable beings prone to mistakes.
**The Spiritual Impact of Istighfar**
By regularly reciting istighfar, Muslims are reminded to always nurture their relationship with Allah SWT and maintain the purity of their hearts and behavior in their daily lives. Istighfar is not just words; it is a practice that has a significant spiritual impact on a Muslim’s life.
Allah SWT says, “And seek forgiveness from Allah. Indeed, Allah is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah: 199). In another Surah, Allah SWT praises those who seek forgiveness from Him. Allah SWT says, “And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know” (Quran, Surah Ali Imran: 135).
**The Assurance of Forgiveness**
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also stated that Allah SWT does not punish those who seek forgiveness for their sins. Therefore, as Abu Musa said, “We have found two salvations, one leaves and the other stays” (Ahmad). Imam Ibn Qayyim explained that seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT to prevent punishment involves sincerely uttering istighfar while releasing every sin wholeheartedly.
