Spiritual Cleansing
Today, let’s take a different perspective on purification, or istighfar. Are you feeling exhausted and stressed? Do you need renewal and a breath of fresh air? No matter how much you rest or how long you sleep, without true purification, positive emotions cannot fully settle within you.
“Whoever makes istighfar (seeking forgiveness) a habit, Allah will grant them relief from every difficulty, a way out of every sorrow, and sustenance from unexpected sources.”Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him ) (Abu Dawood, Witr 26; also see Ibn Majah, Adab 57)
There is a purifying elixir in the remembrance of Astaghfirullah that not only cleanses sins but also purifies our judgments about Allah and the divine order established in the universe. As stated in the Hadith, the rewards of istighfar include:
- Relief from hardship
- Liberation from sorrow
- Unexpected sustenance
What an incredible reward, isn’t it?
How Should One Practice Istighfar?
I won’t repeat the commonly known methods. Instead, here are some personal examples from my own life—you can explore the rest for yourself:
- Ya Rab, I seek forgiveness for not fully understanding Your infinite mercy. Astaghfirullah.
- Ya Rab, I seek forgiveness for not comprehending how deeply You love Your servants. Astaghfirullah.
- Ya Rab, I seek forgiveness for not fully grasping that through Your name Al-Hakim, You have created everything in the universe for my benefit, that You are personally concerned with me, hear me, and value me. Astaghfirullah.
The Endless Benefits of Astaghfirullah
Practicing istighfar brings comfort. Whenever you feel darkness, pain, or sadness within you; whenever you feel restless or overwhelmed; whenever anxiety takes hold, say: Astaghfirullah, Astaghfirullah.
Repeating Astaghfirullah is an effective way to calm yourself and cleanse your mind and body of worldly burdens. If you are struggling with depression, it soothes and alleviates your distress.
Additionally, istighfar helps distance us from the effects of sin. When practiced regularly, it serves as a reminder of Allah’s omnipresence, significantly reducing the likelihood of engaging in wrongful actions.
Ya Rahman, grant us sincere repentance and allow us to cleanse ourselves in the river of righteous deeds. Ameen.
What Does Master Nursi Say on This Topic?
- He who accuses his own soul sees his faults. (Identifying the problem for purification.)
- He who admits his faults seeks forgiveness. (Confessing only to Allah.) (O Allah, make me understand better!)
- He who seeks forgiveness seeks refuge in Allah. He who seeks refuge is saved from the evil of Satan. (The trap is identified. Satan is rendered ineffective because the servant has recognized both himself and his Creator, InshaAllah.)
- Not seeing one’s faults is a greater fault. Not admitting them is a major deficiency. If one acknowledges their faults, the fault ceases to be a fault. If one confesses, they become deserving of forgiveness.
(Risale-i Nur Collection)
And Thus, Purification Takes Place:
“O Creator, forgive our faults. Accept us as Your devoted servants. Keep us trustworthy in the responsibilities You have entrusted us with until the time You call us back. Ameen.”
