Astaghfirullah

Assalamualaikum!

A couple of years back I came across a story regarding the power of Astaghfar i.e. repenting from Allah SWT continuously. I am pretty sure you have heard of it. Here is the story:(courtesy: http://goo.gl/ydTbij) 

This story about “Astaghfar” is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, 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 one of the most celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred to as the “Sheikh ul-Islam” or the “Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah.”

During his old age, while Imam Ahmed 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, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize 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 Astaghfar (seek forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Astaghfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.

On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker’s) doorsteps. [Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7].

On reading this, I thought to give it a try and so I made it a norm to recite Astaghfirullah at least a hundred times in a day, two hundred times, three hundred and continued to increase the count until I felt I could manage continuously every single day. After a definite count, I would then recite Astaghfirullah whenever I was free or doing a monotonous no-brainer task. It definitely is not very hard to say Astaghfirullah and over time your tongue and heart will get used to filling the voids in your day with the tasbeeh. 

At first I found no magical change in my life. I still kept going -increasing my tasbeeh count and making a conscious effort to make up for the count if I missed some in a day. I can't say for sure, but it was not long before I noticed peace in my heart. 

I realized that without even asking anyone for what I wished for, I was granted out of nowhere. From smallest of things to biggest of dreams -it blew my mind away. How was that I was wishing someone might get me a red velvet cake (I love cakes btw) and someone turns up with the exactly same cake from my favourite bakery after a couple of hours -without me asking anyone for it! How was that I wished in my heart to travel abroad but did not have the means to, and circumstances come to a point that I am supported by everyone around me financially and otherwise to do so. And, there I was travelling -living my dreams. I am not claiming anything here. All I am trying to convey is that I got surprised by the events in my life. And there were several times I would be baffled by how I did nothing to gain clients for my photography business and there were people coming from places I had never imagined to hire me for their events. Imagine what happened when I actually started working towards and making effort to gain success in my business - I got more. Where was all this rizq (sustenance) coming from? Who was resolving all my worries for me? Once when I was to deliver an urgent project and my laptop broke down, it was hardly a couple of hours later that my issue was resolved by a friend who happened to be around, without me making any effort at all. And, there were times when I would be worried and struggling with stuff, but Alhamdulilah I got a backing from places I had never thought I would get. 

The reason I relate this to you is to encourage you to make an effort in Allah's way. He will resolve all your matters for you. It might require some patience and time because Allah has His own amazing ways to settle your matters. All we need to do is to strive in His path and keep doing our best. This in no way means that you make no effort in gaining what you aim for. If you wish to get good grades, study hard; if you wish to attain success in a project, work with all your might; if you want something, look for avenues and the right contacts -as I related before, we are the people of pursuit. We give in our very best in all areas of life. In addition to all of that, strive to connect with Allah SWT. You will not regret it. And there will come a time, when you will notice His presence. Him being around, watching over you -always. And one fine day, you will be able to talk to Him as normally as you talk to people around you -it comes with some effort and Insha'Allah we are onto making that in the coming days. A few relevant verses from the Quran, Surah Nuh (Ayah 10, 11,12):

I am not a scholar or a very learned person to give fatwas or directions, but I felt I needed to share what I experienced and found useful in my life lest someone, somewhere might find it inspiring and hopefully life-changing an experience for good. Do give it a shot :)

May Allah grant us His mercy and guidance. Ameen.

Fi Aman Allah!