It's obvious that one must repent to God when they commit a sin, but we must know that repentance (istaghfar) holds benefits and virtues beyond imagination and the key is to literally practice it on a consistent basis that it becomes part of our habitual thinking and attitude.
As we start internalizing the meaning and significance of Astaghfar through daily practice, we begin to see massive changes in our thinking, behavior, actions and deeds and a whole storehouse of benefits starts opening up to us in miraculous ways.
"Allah loves those who are constantly repentant" (Surah Al Baqarah verse 222)
Here are seven key benefits and virtues:
1) Increase in rizq & overall happiness
This is what Allah promises in the Quran that when we start accepting our mistakes, review ourselves and trust His mercy, kindness and love, we begin to see a positive change in our material and emotional/mental life.Quran:
"O My people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send rain from the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength..." Surah Hud 52
"Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, and He will let you enjoy provision (rizq & wealth) for a specified term." Surah Hud 3
The word "rain from the sky" in this Quran verse covers lots of aspect of a person's material well-being and the word rizq includes a wide range of material gains, benefits and luxuries we enjoy throughout our worldly life.
Hadith:
"The one who (regularly) says Istighfar.......All sorrows and hardship will be removed, and in its place prosperity and contentment granted. One will receive sustenance (rizq) from unimaginable and unexpected sources." [narrates Abdullah Bin Abbas]
2) End to poverty and financial hardship
Making constant Ataghfar for our sins, mistakes, negligence and laziness not only opens the floodgates of rizq and wealth, it also protects those on the brink of poverty due to any reason. Are you in debt and struggling to afford basic daily life expenses? If yes, then start practicing repentance. You will thank Allah.
Hadith:
"The one who regularly says istaghfar, that is, frequently repent to Allah for sins committed, Allah will open a path from poverty and difficulties." [narrated by Abdullah Bin Abbas]
3) Removal of depression, fear, sadness & anxiety
Those who are fighting against mental illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and any kind of psychological issues such as phobia (constant fear), sadness, and lethargy can dramatically transform themselves if they commit to practicing Astaghfar.
Hadith:
"If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety." [Abu Dawud]
4) Evil deeds are replaced with good deeds
Humans make mistakes all the time and this makes them vulnerable to harms both in this life and life after death. When we set our heart on seeking forgiveness from Allah and try to reform ourselves, He turns our bad thinking, negative habits and evil deeds into positive ones.
Quran:
"But those who repent, believe and do good deeds. For them, Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful." Surah Furqan 70
5) All sins are forgiven
No matter how big our sins may be, Allah is ever responsive to our repentance Alhamdulillah. God also tells us in the Quran that His mercy encompasses all things. So, all we have to do is turn to Him in earnest thanks with a sincere heart for forgiveness. And He will forgive all our sins.
Quran:
"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,'" Surah Zumr 53
6) God will shower His mercy
Allah Who is already merciful to mankind despite their sins and thanklessness toward Him, wants to shower more of His mercy upon them.
Quran:
"Allah accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards. To them, Allah will turn in mercy." Surah Nisa 17
7) Success in akhirah & safety from hellfire
In addition to worldly benefits and virtues, repentance will set us up for success in akhirah and protect us from hellfire Inshallah.
Quran:
"But as for one who had repented, believed and done righteousness, it is promised by Allah that he will be among the successful." Al Qasas 67
"Those who say, 'Our Lord, indeed we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire,'' Surah Al e Imran 16
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