05/04/2023
THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaum Arba'a. 14th day of Ramadhan, 1444AH (Wednesday 5th April 2023).
*_The Power of Istiqhfaar (Seeking forgiveness from ALLAH)_*. Don't miss this true story. BismilLah.
This true story about “Istighfar” is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, may ALLAH be pleased with him, 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 often referred to as the “Sheikh ul-Islam” or the “Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah(Strick follower of the Prophet teachings and actions).”
During his old age, while he 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, it may turn into something else as he was one of the famous scholars at that time to all Muslims worldwide.
Failing to recognize Imam 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 (seeking 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 answered all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t been answered, the baker replied that he had been asking ALLAH to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal. Allahu Akbar.
On hearing this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that ALLAH had not only listened or answered to your dua but had dragged him (Ahmed bin Hambal) onto your doorsteps Allahu Akbar. Imagine the joy to this brother at that moment. [Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7].
This true historic story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently by saying ASTAQFIRULLAH as many times as we can wherever we may be aside in toilet anyway. Or say "Laailaaha illaa Anta Astaqgfiruka Wa Atuubu Ilaik," meaning there is none worthy of worship except you ALLAH, I repent to you and seek your forgiveness. Repeat this as many times as you can with the intention of whatever you are seeking from ALLAH, and hopefully, your wishes will come through at the right time in Shaa ALLAH. *_We ask ALLAH to forgive our past, present, and future sins and answer our Dua_*. Aameen.
