What Hadiths Say about Istighfar
A Hadith from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is narrated in which the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best worship is seeking forgiveness; because this is the word of God Almighty in His Book when He said: ‘Therefore, know that there is no god except Allah and ask for forgiveness of your sins.’” (Verse 19 of Surah Muhammad).
In another Hadith, it is stated that the best supplication for forgiveness and the best act of worship is reciting the noble phrase, “There is no god but Allah.”
In the words of the Commander of the Faithful (AS), asking for forgiveness is the most valuable form of intercession, the most comprehensive of prayers, the most effective weapon of sinners (to make up for their sins), and the best rescuer from sins. Imam Ali (AS) says in the Wisdom 417 of Nahj al-Balagha: “Istighfar (asking for forgiveness) is meant for people of a high position.”
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Imam Sadiq (AS) said in a Hadith: “Whenever God intends good for a servant and he commits a sin, He punishes him and reminds him of asking for forgiveness. And whenever He intends evil for a servant and he commits a sin, He gives him a blessing so that he forgets to ask for forgiveness and continues in that state. This is the meaning of the words of God Almighty: ‘We gradually lead those who have called Our revelations mere lies, to destruction,’” (Verse 182 of Al-A’raf), meaning by blessing them while they are committing sins so that they forget to seek forgiveness.
