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The power of Istighfar:

This story about “Istighfar” is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, often referred to as the “Sheikh ul-Islam” or the “Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah.”

During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn’t know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for Imam Ahmed and offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar. Imam Ahmed asked the baker if this constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. 

 *_The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas, except one._* 

When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.

On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had him dragged onto the baker’s doorsteps.

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O ye who believe! Turn to God with sincere repentance, in the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow ...

— Quran, Sura 66 (Al-Tahrim), ayah 08[10]

Surely God loves those who turn much (to Him), and He loves those who purify themselves.

— Quran, Sura 02 (Al-Baqara), ayah 222[11]

 *May Allaah Azzawajal help us become committed to this practice and make consistent daily Istighfar easy for us* 
Source:
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