وَٱسْتَغْفِرِ ٱللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا 106
Translations
And seek forgiveness of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
Transliteration
Wastaghfir-illaha, inna-illaha kana ghafuran rahima.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to seek forgiveness from Allah, emphasizing that Allah is the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this instruction serves as guidance for all believers, teaching that turning to Allah in repentance is always open to humanity regardless of circumstance. The emphasis on Allah's attributes of forgiveness (ghafur) and mercy (raheem) reassures the ummah that sincere repentance is never rejected by the Almighty.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah An-Nisa's discussion of legal and moral conduct. It follows verses addressing various social and familial obligations, and this command for istighfar (seeking forgiveness) serves as a general principle for believers to maintain their relationship with Allah while navigating complex worldly affairs and inevitable human shortcomings.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'By the One in whose hand is my soul, if you did not commit sins, Allah would replace you with people who would commit sins and then ask for forgiveness, and He would forgive them.' (Sahih Muslim 2687). Additionally, the Prophet frequently sought forgiveness, reportedly saying 'Astaghfirallah' (I seek forgiveness from Allah) over 70 times daily according to hadith traditions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that acknowledging our imperfections and turning to Allah through sincere repentance is an act of wisdom and faith, not weakness. For modern readers, it emphasizes that regardless of mistakes or transgressions, the door to Allah's forgiveness remains perpetually open to those who genuinely seek it with humility and sincerity.