مَنْ أُعْطِيَ الاِسْتِغْفارَ لَمْ يُحْرَمِ المَغْفِرَةَ۔
One who has been granted [the opportunity to seek] repentance shall not be deprived of forgiveness.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Seeking Forgiveness)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
مَنْ أُعْطِيَ الاِسْتِغْفارَ لَمْ يُحْرَمِ المَغْفِرَةَ۔
This Hadith emphasizes the importance and effectiveness of seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and assures us that one who is granted the opportunity to seek repentance will not be deprived of forgiveness.
To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (U'tiya) "أُعْطِيَ" means to be granted or given, indicating that seeking forgiveness is a gift bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (Al-istighfar) "الاِسْتِغْفارَ" refers to seeking forgiveness for our sins and shortcomings, acknowledging our mistakes and turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in repentance. (Lam yuhrim) "لَمْ يُحْرَمِ" means that forgiveness will not be deprived or withheld from the one who seeks repentance. And finally, (Al-maghfirah) "المَغْفِرَةَ" signifies the act of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) forgiving and pardoning our sins.
This profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds its roots in the Holy Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and assures us of His mercy and forgiveness. In Surah Az-Zumar (39:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,
Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'
This verse highlights the inclusive nature of Allah's forgiveness, assuring us that no matter how grave our sins may be, if we sincerely seek His forgiveness, we will not be deprived of it.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us,
Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
This verse encourages us to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and reminds us of His forgiving and merciful nature. It assures us that if we sincerely repent and seek His forgiveness, we will be granted it.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder and motivation for Muslims to actively seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that no matter how great our sins may be, if we sincerely turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in repentance, we will not be deprived of His forgiveness. This Hadith instills hope and encourages us to constantly seek forgiveness, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is ever ready to forgive His repentant servants.
The consequences of seeking forgiveness are profound. When we seek forgiveness, we acknowledge our shortcomings and sins, humbling ourselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This act of humility and repentance strengthens our relationship with our Creator and purifies our hearts. Seeking forgiveness also serves as a means of self-reflection and self-improvement, as it prompts us to rectify our actions and strive towards righteousness.
Moreover, seeking forgiveness is not limited to a specific time or place. It is a continuous process that should be ingrained in our daily lives. By seeking forgiveness regularly, we cleanse our souls and maintain a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through seeking forgiveness that we attain spiritual growth and draw closer to our Creator.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and assures us that if we are granted the opportunity to seek repentance, we will not be deprived of His forgiveness. This Hadith finds its roots in the Quranic teachings that highlight the all-encompassing mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder and motivation for Muslims to actively seek forgiveness, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is ever ready to forgive His repentant servants. May we all strive to seek forgiveness and attain the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
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