Dream - As a Muslim, it is a must to always seek forgiveness from Allah SWT. The way to do it is by not missing the opportunity to seek forgiveness from Allah SWT. The phrase of istighfar that says 'Astaghfirullah' is certainly not unfamiliar to Muslims. In fact, in certain situations, such as being surprised, Dream's friends usually spontaneously utter the phrase of istighfar. Well, the phrase of istighfar is also recommended to be read frequently during suhoor time.

This is also explained in the letter of Ali Imran verse 17: "And those who seek forgiveness in the pre-dawn hours." Here is an explanation of the recitation of istighfar and its virtues as summarized by Dream through various sources.

The word 'astghfiru' means 'I seek forgiveness'. Meanwhile, the word 'Allah' refers to the Almighty and the Ruler of the Universe. The word 'astghfiru' comes from the word gha-fa-ra which means to cover something. Its meaning is to protect and keep it clean or to protect it from being stained. This word is a form of seeking forgiveness and polishing a part of ourselves that is dirty due to sins. From this feeling of dirtiness, there is also a sense of guilt, regret, and reluctance to accept everything new that is faced.

Well, that feeling is usually considered a negative emotion. However, Islam teaches to transform that emotion into a desire to become better. The way to do it is by seeking forgiveness or istighfar. Whoever utters that phrase, they are repenting and seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT.

The first benefit of istighfar is that it can open the door of sustenance. As explained in the verses 10-12 of Surah Nuh: "So I said to them, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord; indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.'" (Quran, Nuh: 10-12)

Istighfar can also bring solutions to every sadness that Dream's friends experience. This is explained in a hadith: "Whoever frequently seeks forgiveness; Allah will provide a way out for every sadness, ease for every difficulty, and sustenance from unexpected sources." (HR. Ahmad from Ibn Abbas and its chain of narrators is considered authentic by al-Hakim and Ahmad Syakir)

Allah, the Most Great, has said: 'O son of Adam, I will forgive you as long as you pray to Me and hope for My forgiveness, no matter what sins you have committed. O son of Adam, I do not care if your sins reach the heavens, as long as you seek my forgiveness, I will forgive you.'

Beristighfar is able to bring abundance of blessings to those who do it. This is explained in Surah Hud verse 3: \

The goodness of seeking forgiveness during this pre-dawn meal is explained in the following verse of the Quran, specifically in Surah Ali Imran verse 17: "(that is) those who are patient, truthful, obedient, who give their wealth (in the way of Allah), and who seek forgiveness in the pre-dawn hours." (Quran, Ali Imran: 17) In addition, it is also explained in the following hadith: "And increase in performing 4 things during that month, 2 of which will make your Lord (Allah) pleased, and the other 2 are things that you need."

Two things that make your Lord (Allah swt) pleased are: saying the shahada (أشهد ألا إله إلا الله), and asking for forgiveness from Him by reciting (أستغفر الله العظيم). As for the two things you need from both of them are: asking Allah to be admitted into paradise and to be kept away from the fire of hell." (HR.Ibnu Khuzaimah: 1780, Sahih Ibnu Khuzaimah, Al-Maktabah Asy-Syamilah, chapter jima'u abwaabi fadhaaili syhrish shiyaami wa shiyaamihii, volume: 7, page 115)