فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنبِكَ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مُتَقَلَّبَكُمْ وَمَثْوَاكُمْ
Know that there is no god except Allah, and plead [to Allah] for forgiveness of your sin and for the faithful, men and women. Allah knows your itinerary and your [final] abode.
Agha Ali Puya Commentary
Commentary on Quran 47:19
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 47:19] Refer to the commentary of Mumin: 55 and verse 15 of this surah for wastaghfir lidhambika. The Holy Prophet is commanded to seek Allah's protection "from falling into errors in future" for the believing men and women so that they may follow his pattern of life. Forgiveness is sought for the sins already committed in the past and protection is sought against the errors (one has not committed) as a precaution that may keep the seekers of protection from falling into the trap prepared by Shaytan and his comrades. Every thought or deed influences character formation which will be the main asset at the time of reckoning before the Lord who knows the seen as well as the unseen, therefore every sincere believer must always pray to seek Allah's protection against falling into the trap of sin and evil. Imam Jafar bin Muhammad as Sadiq said: "Just as a flutter of wind or a strong shaking brings the dried leaves of a tree on the ground, istighfar helps man to get rid of sins." Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Istighfar is a request made to Allah to keep the supplicant free from sinning by His grace and mercy. It is the highest form of worship. Every true servant of Allah uses this means to stay away from falling unintentionally into the pit of sin and evil, but a divinely commissioned leader (Imam) not only prays for himself but also for those who follow him, because their welfare is his responsibility.