Relationship Between Istiqamah (Steadfastness) and Istighfaar (Seeking Forgiveness)
قُلْ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ فَٱسْتَقِيمُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوهُ ۗ وَوَيْلٌ لِّلْمُشْرِكِينَ
“Say, O [Muhammad], ‘I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so take a straight course to Him (be steadfast) and seek His forgiveness.’ And woe to those who associate others with Allah.” (Qur’an, Surah Fussilat, 41:6)
The verse informs us we are going to try to be steadfast, but at times we may encounter shortcomings. So, Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) is essential in the process of steadfastness and fulfilling our proclamation of faith.
Anas bin Malik reports the Prophet (sas) said: “The belief of a servant will not be steadfast until his heart becomes steadfast, and his heart will not become steadfast until his tongue becomes steadfast”. (Imam Ahmad)
