DAHSYATNYA ISTIGFAR : Kisah Penjual Roti dan Imam Ahmad bin Hambal | Dr. Oki Setiana Dewi, M. Pd

Summary

This inspiring story shares the transformative power of istighfar (seeking forgiveness) through the encounter of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal and a humble bread seller. Imam Ahmad, on a long journey to Iraq, is turned away from a mosque and finds shelter with the bread seller, who constantly seeks forgiveness from Allah. The seller reveals that his wishes have been granted through his istighfar, including meeting Imam Ahmad, whom he admired. This story illustrates the incredible blessings that come from seeking forgiveness and the spiritual benefits of turning to Allah in repentance, as highlighted in Surah Nuh (10-12).

Takeaways

• 😀 A believer should never remain idle, and should always engage in acts of remembrance (dhikr) of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, one of which is by frequently seeking forgiveness (Astaghfirullah).
• 😀 The story of Imam Ahmad bin Hambal and a bread seller in Iraq demonstrates the power of consistent repentance and dhikr.
• 😀 Imam Ahmad felt an intense urge to travel to Iraq despite the long distance and challenging journey, which led to an unexpected encounter.
• 😀 Imam Ahmad arrived in Iraq and, after praying Isha in a mosque, was asked to leave by the mosque's caretaker because he was not recognized as a renowned scholar.
• 😀 Despite being rejected by the mosque, Imam Ahmad found refuge in the small hut of a bread seller, who showed kindness and hospitality.
• 😀 The bread seller spent the entire night engaged in dhikr, constantly saying 'Astaghfirullah al-Azim' while preparing bread.
• 😀 Imam Ahmad was intrigued by the bread seller’s devotion and inquired how long he had been performing this dhikr. The bread seller revealed he had been doing so for 30 years.
• 😀 The bread seller shared that his sincere repentance had led to all of his wishes being granted, except for one: his desire to meet Imam Ahmad.
• 😀 Imam Ahmad was moved when he realized that the bread seller’s repeated invocation of his name in prayer was the reason for his visit to Iraq, fulfilling the bread seller's wish.
• 😀 This story emphasizes the immense power of seeking forgiveness (istighfar) and the miraculous ways Allah responds to sincere devotion, as demonstrated in Surah Nuh (10-12).
• 😀 Surah Nuh (10-12) highlights the blessings of istighfar: rain, wealth, children, gardens, and rivers as rewards for those who seek forgiveness from Allah.

Q & A

Why did Imam Ahmad bin Hambal decide to travel to Iraq?

Imam Ahmad bin Hambal felt an intense inner urge to travel to Iraq, despite the long distance. This mysterious motivation led him to embark on the journey.

What happened when Imam Ahmad arrived at the mosque in Iraq?

Upon arriving at the mosque and praying, Imam Ahmad was unexpectedly forced out by the mosque caretaker, who did not recognize him as a famous scholar, and was not allowed to rest in the mosque.

How did the bread seller react when he saw Imam Ahmad being expelled from the mosque?

The bread seller, seeing the elderly Imam being forced out, took pity on him and invited him to rest in his small hut, offering a place to sleep for the night.

What did Imam Ahmad notice the bread seller doing while making bread?

Imam Ahmad observed that the bread seller repeated 'Astaghfirullah' (I seek forgiveness from Allah) every time he performed an action, such as breaking eggs or kneading the dough.

How long had the bread seller been making istighfar while working?

The bread seller revealed that he had been making istighfar every time he worked for the past 30 years.

What was the bread seller's main request in his prayers of istighfar?

The bread seller had been asking Allah to fulfill one particular wish: to meet the great Imam Ahmad bin Hambal, though he was too poor to travel to meet him.

What was Imam Ahmad’s reaction when he heard the bread seller's wish?

Imam Ahmad was astonished and exclaimed 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest), realizing that Allah had sent him directly to fulfill the bread seller's wish because of his continuous istighfar.

What did Imam Ahmad reveal to the bread seller after hearing his wish?

Imam Ahmad revealed that he was the very Imam the bread seller had longed to meet, showing that Allah had answered the seller's prayer through his constant istighfar.

What lesson can be learned from the story of Imam Ahmad and the bread seller?

The story teaches the profound power of istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah), highlighting how it brings blessings, answers to prayers, and unexpected opportunities.

What is mentioned in Surah Nuh regarding the benefits of istighfar?

Surah Nuh (10-12) mentions that through istighfar, Allah will send rain, increase wealth and children, and provide gardens and rivers, showing the vast blessings of seeking forgiveness.