The Attainment of Well-being through Seeking Forgiveness: A Foundational Study from the Quran and Sunnah

Abstract

This study, titled “Aspects of Well-being through Seeking Forgiveness: A Foundational Study from the Qur’an and Sunnah”, explores the comprehensive role of istighfār (seeking forgiveness) as a divine command that brings multiple dimensions of well-being to human life. Based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, the research demonstrates that seeking forgiveness is not only a spiritual practice but also a means of attaining protection, relief, and blessings across religious, psychological, physical, social, environmental, and economic aspects of life.

The paper highlights the linguistic and Shar‘ī meanings of istighfār, reviews its frequent mention in the Qur’an (234 times) and Hadith, and discusses its conditions, requirements, and preferred times. It also shows how istighfār is tied to divine mercy, acceptance of repentance, and the removal of calamities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that unlike costly healthcare systems that focus only on diagnosis and treatment, istighfār provides a holistic approach to wellness by preventing afflictions and promoting inner peace and societal stability.

Structured into four main sections—(1) the concept of istighfār in the Qur’an and Sunnah, (2) the requirements of istighfār, (3) the religious benefits of istighfār, and (4) its worldly benefits—the research concludes that adherence to this divine command yields wide-ranging forms of well-being. Thus, istighfār is presented as a comprehensive safeguard and a source of enduring human flourishing in both this life and the hereafter.