Istighfar, also known as Islamic Pilgrimage or Hajj, is an important religious journey that is considered a mandatory act of worship for all able-bodied Muslims. The journey involves a long and arduous journey to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, where all pilgrims must follow certain set rituals and practices to show their devotion and submission to Allah. This rite of passage is performed in order to gain spiritual rewards and blessings from Allah and to fulfill the fourth pillar of Islam which is performing Hajj at least once in a lifetime.
Isthfar
Istighfar is based on a number of fundamental principles.
- Firstly, every Muslim is expected to demonstrate his/her obedience and submission to Allah by making a pilgrim journey to the holy city of Makkah at least once in his/her lifetime.
- Secondly, when undertaking the Isthfar journey, all Muslims must dress modestly and behave in a manner that is in accordance with Islamic law and traditions.
- Thirdly, when in Makkah and the other surrounding holy sites.
- All pilgrims must take part in a number of compulsory rites and rituals.
- Several of these rites include circumambulation around the Ka’aba, running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, spending time in the valley of Mina, and the symbolic stoning of the devil.
- Finally, while performing the Isthfar, all Muslims must strive to maintain an attitude of humility and supplication before Allah.
How do i do istighfar
The process of Istighfar begins with the pilgrims applying for a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Upon obtaining the visa, the pilgrims then travel to Makkah and undertake the obligatory rituals and ceremonies.
These rituals begin with the pilgrims entering into a state of purity known as Ihram.
Once in Ihram, the pilgrims make their way to the holy city of Makkah and circumambulate the Ka’aba seven times.
From there, the pilgrims then move towards the hills of Safa and Marwa and run between them seven times in symbolic remembrance of the trials and tribulations experienced by the Prophet Ibrahim and his wife Hager.
What is the dua for istighfar
After these rituals, the pilgrims make their way to Mina and spend three days throwing pebbles to commemorate Ibrahim’s destruction of the idols of mecca.
- After this, they then move to Arafat and spend the day in supplication and prayer to Allah.
- On the tenth day, the pilgrims then sacrifice an animal in memory of the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail.
- By doing so, they follow Ismail’s example of sacrificing his son to Allah.
- This is followed by the shaving of the heads of all male pilgrims and cutting off some of the hair of women pilgrims as a symbol of renewal and starting afresh.
- The last stage of the Isthfar is the “Farewell Pilgrimage”, where the pilgrims make seven additional circumambulations of the Ka’aba before departing from Makkah.
- This completes the entire pilgrimage process, and thus brings the pilgrims one step closer to their goal of gaining spiritual rewards and blessings from Allah.
What do you pray for istighfar
Istighfar is an important part of the faith for all Muslims and serves to bring them closer to the spiritual goals of their religion.
- From the rigorous journey to perform the rituals, to the sacrifice of an animal.
- The process of Isthfar provides many opportunities for Muslims to show their devotion and submission to Allah.
- As such, it is an integral part of what it means to be a Muslim and an important rite of passage for all believers.
