Parenting Perspective 

Explain the Meaning and Importance 

Teaching your child to say Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) after making a mistake is an important way to instil a sense of accountability, humility, and reliance on Allah’s mercy. You can start by explaining the meaning and importance of Istighfar. You might say, ‘When we say “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness from Allah), we are asking Allah to forgive us for the wrong things we have done. It is a way to make things right and to feel closer to Allah.’ 

A Way to Cleanse the Heart 

Encourage your child to say Istighfar whenever they realise they have made a mistake, whether it is a small error or something more serious. Explain that Istighfir is a way to cleanse the heart and to seek Allah’s forgiveness, showing that we recognise our mistakes and are striving to improve. You could say, ‘When you realise you have made a mistake, saying “Astaghfirullah” is a way to ask Allah to forgive you and to promise to try to do better next time.’ 

Make it Part of Your Family Routine 

Make Istighfar a part of your family’s routine. You can say it together, especially after moments of frustration or when mistakes have been made. For example, after an argument or when your child is upset about an error, you can guide them to say Istighfar and to reflect on how they can improve. ‘Let us say Istighfar together and ask Allah to forgive us and to help us make better choices.’ Praise your child when they make an effort to say Istighfar, as this reinforces the idea that it is not just about saying the words but about sincerity and striving to improve. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, Istighfar is a powerful means of seeking forgiveness and purifying the heart. Allah Almighty reminds us in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 70: 

‘Except for the one who sought repentance, and believed (in the truth), and enacted virtuous deeds; so for those people, Allah (Almighty) shall substitute (and extinguish) their evil deeds with good deeds; and Allah (Almighty) is All Forgiving and All Merciful.’ 

This verse highlights Allah’s infinite mercy and the importance of seeking forgiveness for our mistakes. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasised the importance of Istighfar. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 6590, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Say “Astaghfirullah” to seek forgiveness from Allah for our sins.’ 

This Hadith serves as a reminder that seeking forgiveness is a vital part of our relationship with Allah. By teaching your child to say Istighfar when they make mistakes, you are helping them to embrace the Islamic values of repentance, humility, and spiritual growth.