Abundant istighfar will ensure happiness when one receives his book of deeds

Is this narration authentic?

من أحب أن تسره صحيفته فليكثر فيها من الاستغفار

Answer

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Zubayr ibnul ‘Awwam (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 843 and Kitabud Du’a, Hadith: 1787, Shu’abul Iman of Imam Bayhaqi, Hadith: 639)

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith sound due to corroboration. ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators reliable.

(Al Amalil Mutlaqah, pg. 250, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 208)

Also see here and here.

Translation

Whoever wishes to be pleased by his book of deeds should seek forgiveness [istighfar] abundantly

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar