During his old age, Imam Ahmad (Rahimahullah), a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian, was travelling when he stopped by a town. After Salah (prayer), he wanted to stay for the night at the Masjid. 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 Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, the caretaker of the Masjid refused to let him stay in the Masjid and around the Masjid. A baker, whose shop was nearby, watched this scene and took pity on Imam Ahmad. He invited the Imam to stay with him for the night.
He watched as the baker mixed and kneaded the dough, tended the fire, and pulled hot loafs from the oven, all the while uttering remembrance of Allah and Istighfar (asking for Allah's forgiveness).
In the morning, the Imam eagerly asked his host latter's continual seeking of forgiveness.
The baker said it had become like second nature, and Imam Ahmad (Rahimahullah) then asked; whether the man had experienced any reward from this practice.
The baker answered, "By Allah! No Du'a I made except that it was answered but one."
When Ibn Hanbal asked what that unanswered prayer was, the baker responded: "to see the famed Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal."
At this, tears came to Ibn Hanbal's eyes and he told the baker, "I am Ahmad Ibn Hanbal!" "By Allah! I was brought to your place so you can have your Du'a/wish come true."
This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar frequently.
Tafseer Al-Qurtubi states:
A man complained to Al-Hasan Al-Basri (Rahimahullah) about a drought, and he said to him: "Pray to Allah for forgiveness."
Another man complained to him of poverty and he said to him: "Pray to Allah for forgiveness."
Another man said to him: "Pray to Allah to bless me with a child." He said: "Pray to Allah for forgiveness."
Another complained to him that his garden was dry. He said to him: "Pray to Allah for forgiveness."
He was asked about it and he said: "This is not my personal opinion, for Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ says in Surah Nuh (71:10-12): "Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on your rivers."
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Islamic Sayings
SpiritualI have many sayings that I scribble down in a hurry and then spend too much time finding them. So, I have decided to put it all in one place (here) and share it, perhaps they will be beneficial to you, too. It's just a collection of sayings, remind...
