Istighfar and Repentance

The Promised Messiah(as) says:1

Remember, the Muslims have been bestowed two thing — one for obtaining strength and the other for the practical demonstration of the strength that has been obtained. Istighfar is for obtaining strength. It is also called seeking help. The sufis have said that as physical strength and power are fostered through exercise, in the same way istighfar is spiritual exercise. Through it, the soul obtains strength and the heart achieves steadfastness. He who desires strength should do istighfar.

Ghafara literally means covering and suppressing. With istighfar, man tries to suppress and cover [those] emotions that keep him away from God. Thus, the only meaning of istighfar is that the poisonous elements that may well-nigh destroy a man may be overpowered, and one should give practical shape to the commandment of God by avoiding all obstructions.

Remember that Almighty Allah has created two types of elements within human beings. One: the poisonous element, which is activated by Satan. Second: the remedial element. When someone is proud and considers himself to be worth something, and does not seek help from the remedial fountain, the poisonous element gains the upper hand. But when he considers himself unworthy and insignificant and feels within him the need for divine help, Allah creates a fountain for him that makes his soul flow. This is the meaning of istighfar, namely, to find this strength to overpower the poisonous element. (Malfuzat, new edition, vol. 1, pp. 348–349)