Istighfar Helps One Benefit from Worldly Blessings
The Holy Quran says in Verse 3 of Surah Hud: “And ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will give you enjoyment till a stated term and will give of His Bounty to those of grace. But if you turn away, I fear for you the punishment of a Mighty Day.”
The meaning of “will give you enjoyment” is that you will benefit from the life of this world; that is, God Almighty guides you towards your human desires, which are the enjoyment of worldly blessings such as sustenance, security, prosperity, honor and dignity.
“Matta’an Husna” in this verse means a pleasant life accompanied by spiritual peace, in contrast to those who, due to their rejection of the remembrance of God, have a miserable and bitter life, although they are materially comfortable and prosperous.
Therefore, the possibilities that are at the disposal of sinners, because they are used for corruption and sedition, are not blessed and good.
Seeking forgiveness is one of the factors of divine help through worldly possibilities; In Surah Nuh we read:
“’Ask for forgiveness of your Lord,’ I said. ‘Surely, He is the Forgiver. He will let loose the sky upon you in abundance and give to you wealth and sons, and provide you with gardens and rivers.’” (Verses 10-12 of Surah Nuh)
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These verses state several effects of seeking forgiveness; seeking forgiveness is mentioned as the cause of “abundant rain” (natural resources), “increased wealth and increased livelihood” (capital), “increased children” (human power), “prosperity of agriculture and gardening” (natural resources), and “flowing rivers” (natural resources), which are usually beyond human control.
A notable point in these verses is the collective command to seek forgiveness, which shows that seeking forgiveness is effective both individually and collectively.
