Istighfar in Imam Ali’s Words

IQNA – In a Hadith, Imam Ali (AS) states the truth of asking for forgiveness and criteria of Istighfar (seeking forgiveness).

According to this Hadith, Kumayl Bin Ziyad said to Imam Ali: O Commander of the Faithful! A person may commit a sin and then ask forgiveness. What is the limit of asking forgives? Imam Ali (AS) replied, O son of Ziyad! It is repentance. Kumayl asked: Is that all? The Imam replied: No. Kumayl asked: Then how is it?

The Imam replied: Whenever a person commits a sin he should say “I seek Allah’s forgiveness” and should move. Kumayl asked: What is meant by moving? The Imam replied: He should move his two lips and tongue with the intention that he should be followed by reality. Kumayl asked: What is reality? The Imam replied: He should repent sincerely and determine not to repeat the sin for which he asks forgiveness.

Kumayl asked: Suppose I do so, will I be forgiven? The Imam replied: No. Kumayl asked: Why is it so? The Imam said: Because you have not yet reached its root. Kumayl asked: Then what is the root of asking forgiveness?

The Imam replied: It is return to repentance from the sin for which you have asked forgiveness (and that is the first degree of the devout) and the abandonment of sin. Istighfar is a term which carries six meanings: First, regretting the past deeds. Second, determination of not repeating the sin. Third, paying the right of every creature to whom you are indebted. Fourth, paying all the binding rights of Allah. Fifth, reducing the flesh which has grown on your body by unlawful means till your skin sticks to your bones and then fresh flesh grows between them. Sixth, you should make your body taste the pain of submission as you made it taste the deliciousness of sin.

In this definition, seeking forgiveness is accompanied by repentance, but as the Imam (AS) said about the truth of seeking forgiveness, the spirit and truth of seeking forgiveness is heartfelt remorse; because until a person is not remorseful about his mistake, he cannot truly ask for forgiveness from God Almighty. As Imam Reza (AS) says: “Whoever seeks forgiveness with his tongue while not repenting, has in reality mocked himself.”