Ma`rifat

Abstract: The issue of achieving an ideal society characterized by cohesion, welfare, and security has always been a central concern for both social and religious thinkers. In sociological approaches, social order, regulatory functions, and collective actions are identified as key factors influencing the stability of society. In the Islamic knowledge framework, however, in addition to human actions and social structures, the relationship between humans and God plays a fundamental role in shaping an ideal society. Among the religious factors affecting social life, Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) is recognized as a socio-spiritual practice with effects that extend beyond the individual level, producing collective and structural outcomes for society, including the reduction of social problems, increase in blessings, strengthening of social capital, mitigation of collective harms, and establishment of social order and tranquility. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical method based on library resources, analyzes the social functions of Istighfar. The findings indicate that Istighfar, by eliminating tension-inducing factors, enhancing social cohesion, preventing structural anomalies, and providing a foundation for welfare and security, facilitates the attainment of an ideal society. Accordingly, alongside recognized social components, Istighfar can function as a cultural–spiritual mechanism in regulating and promoting societal development.