Wali Ismail's Istighfar

Bismillah.

I am delighted to share with you this istighfar attributed to the famous saint Wali Ismail from Kelantan (East coast) Malaysia.

I learned it from Baba Aziz, a prominent mu'aleem from Pattani. Baba was instrumental in my re-embracing Islam seven years ago. Yesterday and today, he granted me a private session, which was really sweet and meaningful. At the outset of our meeting, Baba asked what my 'illness' was when I saw him before, so I answered him matter-of-factly, 'jahil'. Indeed I was profoundly ignorant of Islam then. I remember it was 21st June 2002, a Saturday. The day after seeing Baba, I put on my headscarf, went out to the city to buy al-Hikam, and stopped by at my sister's place to borrow a dozen scarves from her. And most importantly, from that day onwards, I began to pray regularly and put in constant effort in knowing my Creator! I must say that with his barakah and grace from Allah s.w.t, I have progressed well, and Baba seemed to be pleasantly surprised by my present state. Alhamdulillah. Allah guides whom He wills.

Now coming back to the istighfar. It is meant for one to cleanse one's heart of syirik - the subtle sins committed by the heart. It was said that Wali Ismail would recite the istighfar regularly. It is about asking forgiveness from Allah for having in one's heart, other than Allah, when everything else is saying, Allah!

Astaghfirullah hamimma siwallah

wa kullu syai in

ya qul Allah.

With the blessings of my dear Baba Aziz and Wali Ismail, may we be steadfast and istiqamah in reciting this istighfar, bi-iznillah.

Photo of saints from Kelantan. 
Credit: Ragamfamili.blogspot.com