What is istighfar?

Istighfar is an Arabic term that means seeking forgiveness from Allah. It is an act of repentance that Islam encourages its followers to perform regularly. Istighfar is mentioned in the Quran as a way to cleanse oneself from sins and seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

Muslims believe that seeking forgiveness through istighfar helps to purify the soul, increase blessings, and attain Allah's mercy and forgiveness. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to seek forgiveness from Allah more than 70 times a day, even though he was sinless.

Istighfar can be performed through various means, such as reciting specific prayers, saying the phrase "astaghfirullah" (I seek forgiveness from Allah), or simply asking Allah for forgiveness in one's own words. It is recommended to make istighfar in moments of reflection, after committing a sin, and during prayer.

Overall, istighfar is an important practice in Islam that helps believers to seek forgiveness and maintain a strong connection with Allah.