MEANING OF ISTIGHATHA

[Taqavi]

What is Istighatha (seeking help)?

 

Lexically, Istighatha means seeking help and support.[1] To explain the nature of Istighatha, one must refer to its linguistic root, namely (غَوَثَ). This word indicates only one meaning, which is “غَوْث” (derived from the source اغاثه); a concept meaning rescuing, helping, and supporting the helpless in moments of difficulty and crisis. [2]

Based on this foundation, technically, Istighatha refers to requesting help from another. [3] More precisely, it can be said: “Requesting help during sorrow, grief, pain, and affliction.” [4]

The point that distinguishes Istighatha from concepts such as Tawassul is its exclusivity to times of intensity, hardship, and distress, whereas Tawassul can occur both in times of hardship and in times of ease. [5]

In the verses of the Holy Quran, this word is used exactly with this meaning on multiple occasions; for instance, in the account of Prophet Moses (AS), it is mentioned that he one day entered the city and encountered two men who were fighting; one was a follower of his (from the Children of Israel) and the other was from his enemies (the Pharaonic faction). At that moment, that follower sought help and Istighatha from Prophet Moses (AS) to overcome his enemy. Moses (AS) then struck the enemy on his body with a forceful blow, which led to his death. Following this incident, Prophet Moses (AS) pointed out that this conflict and struggle were from the deception and temptations of Satan. [6]

Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal: “(Recall) when you asked for the help of your Lord, and He responded to you, ‘I will reinforce you with a thousand angels, coming one after another.’” [7]

Based on the established principles, scientifically defined, Istighatha means seeking aid to escape hardships and taking refuge in a person capable of providing protection and salvation. This word and its derivatives (such as the phrase “وا غوثاه”) indicate a specific type of help-seeking for emerging from crises and afflictions, accompanied by humility, entreaty, and complete submission; to the extent that the one seeking help (Mustaghith) places himself entirely under the protection and management of the rescuer. [8]

Conclusion:

 Istighatha means calling for help and seeking assistance in the face of extreme urgency and distress, rooted in the concept of “غوث” (succor). This act involves sincerely taking refuge in a capable rescuer to escape crises, accompanied by supplication and humble entreaty (pure supplicating), placing the individual under complete protection; as confirmed in the Holy Quran as a practical tradition when facing hardships.

 

 

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[1] . Mu’jam al-Mastalahat wa al-Alfaz al-Fiqhiyyah, Abdul Mun’im, Mahmoud Abdul Rahman, Vol 1, p. 150.

[2] . Mu’jam Maqayis al-Lughah, Ibn Faris, Vol 4, p. 400.

[3] . Al-Mufradat fi Gharib al-Quran, Al-Raghib Al-Isfahani, Vol 1, p. 617.

[4] . Istighatha wa Jaygah-e Shar’i-ye An, Ghadiri, Mohammad Taher, p. 21.

[5] . Mu’jam al-Mastalahat wa al-Alfaz al-Fiqhiyyah, Abdul Mun’im, Mahmoud Abdul Rahman, Vol 1, p. 150.

[6] . Al-Qasas: 15 «وَدَخَلَ الْمَدِينَةَ عَلَىٰ حِينِ غَفْلَةٍ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا فَوَجَدَ فِيهَا رَجُلَيْنِ يَقْتَتِلَانِ هَٰذَا مِنْ شِيعَتِهِ وَهَٰذَا مِنْ عَدُوِّهِ فَاسْتَغَاثَهُ الَّذِي مِنْ شِيعَتِهِ عَلَى الَّذِي مِنْ عَدُوِّهِ فَوَكَزَهُ مُوسَىٰ فَقَضَىٰ عَلَيْهِ قَالَ هَٰذَا مِنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ.»

[7] . Al-Anfal: 9 «إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُمْ بِأَلْفٍ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ»

[8] . Farhang-e Quran, Hashemi Rafsanjani, Vol 3, p. 158.