There is a narration in Bukhari where Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) says that:
I seek forgiveness more than 70 times a day
There are also narrations in Abu Dawud and Nasai’ which, if I am correct, asks for 100 times a day.
Please classify if the narrations in Abu Dawud and Nasai’ are also Sahih?
I understand that we should do istighfar as many times as possible, but when wanting to practice on the above, which number should I adhere to?
Answer
The Hadith of Sunan Abi Dawud and Nasai is authentic.
The mention of 100 times istighfar is also found in a Hadith of Sahih Muslim, hadith: 6799.
There is no contradiction between these Hadiths, since the narration in Bukhari states: ‘…more than 70 times’ It doesn’t specify how much more. The Hadith in Sahih Muslim and the Sunan have specified that ‘more’ to be: 100. Therefore reciting istighfar 100 times is in accordance to sunnah too.
Note: Some Hadiths mention that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) would recite istighfar exactly 70 times. These are also correct, and will be understood to be on a different occasion. One could practice either of the 2, although 100 will be better for obvious reasons.
Reference for the above: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 6307
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar