Istighfaar means seeking forgiveness of Allah for
the sins so far committed and turning repentant unto Allah.
Ibn
Abbas relates that the was in the company of Imam Ali when a man came and said
Mawla, I have transgressed much "Imam Ali told him: PRAY ISTIGHFAAR.
Another man came and said : Mawla my land has become arid and parched, what
shall I do ?. Imam Ali told him PRAY ISTIGHFAR. After a few moments
another came and said Mawla I am poverty stricken. Nothing I do bearts
fruit. Is there any remedy. Imam Ali said: PRAY ISTIGHFAR.
Then another man came and said : Mawla Allah has not yet blessed me with a
child. What should I do. Imam Ali told him PRAY ISTIGHAFAR.
I asked him : O AMIRUL MUMININ - though the
problems were different, but to each of them you advised to pray ISTIGHFAAR.
Imam
Ali said : Because Allah says in surah Nuh: And I said : seek forgiveness of
your Lord. Verily he is ever most forgiving. He will send you
abundant rain from the heaven and will help you with wealth and sons, and will
make for you gardens and will make for your rivers.
Source : www.duas.org/seekforg.htm
