How to Seek Forgiveness
Like the Prophet ﷺ

Seeking forgiveness, or istighfār, is a central pillar of a believer’s relationship with Allah ﷻ. The ultimate example in this, as in all matters, is the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. Despite being divinely protected from sin and the most beloved of all creation, his blessed life was characterised by constant repentance and seeking of forgiveness. This sets a profound precedent for us: if he ﷺ sought forgiveness so earnestly, how much more should we, who are prone to error and negligence, turn to Allah in repentance? This beautiful practice is not about despairing over our sins, but about maintaining a continuous, loving connection with our Creator.
The Prophet’s ﷺ commitment to istighfār was a lesson for his entire nation. It is authentically narrated in a hadith that he ﷺ said, “By Allah! I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī). This constant state of seeking forgiveness was a hallmark of his profound humility and devotion. This beautiful sunnah was perfectly mirrored in the lives of his Companions رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ. Consider the example of his closest friend, Sayyidinā Abū Bakr aṣ-Ṣiddīq رضي الله عنه. He once asked the Prophet ﷺ to teach him a supplication to recite in his prayers. The Prophet ﷺ taught him a powerful duʿāʾ that reveals the essence of seeking forgiveness: Allāhumma innī ẓalamtu nafsī ẓulman kathīran, wa lā yaghfirudh-dhunūba illā Anta, faghfirlī maghfiratan min ʿindika warḥamnī, innaka Antal-Ghafūru-r-Raḥīm. (O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none forgives sins but You. So grant me forgiveness from Yourself and have mercy on me, for You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.) This duʿāʾ, taught by the Messenger ﷺ and practiced by the best of his Companions رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, shows that true repentance involves acknowledging our faults and relying completely on Allah’s infinite mercy, not our own deeds.

Practical Applications:

Humble Self-Reflection:

Set aside moments daily to reflect on your actions, acknowledging your shortcomings not with despair, but with a sincere desire to improve.

Sincere Tawbah (Repentance):

When you err, turn to Allah immediately. True tawbah involves feeling genuine remorse, ceasing the sin and making a firm resolution not to return to it.

Frequent Istighfār:

Make the phrase: Astaghfirullāh (I seek forgiveness from Allah) a constant companion on your tongue throughout the day, just as the Prophet ﷺ did.

Supplicate with Prophetic Duʿāʾs:

Learn and use the supplications for forgiveness taught by the Prophet ﷺ, like the beautiful one he taught to Abū Bakr aṣ-Ṣiddīq رضي الله عنه.

Follow Repentance with Good Deeds:

The Qurʾan reminds us that good deeds wipe out evil deeds [11:114]. Follow up your repentance with acts of charity, kindness and worship.

Islamic Conclusion:

The sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ teaches us that seeking forgiveness is a continuous act of worship that purifies the heart and strengthens our connection with Allah ﷻ. It is not a sign of weakness but the ultimate expression of humility and awareness of our need for His mercy. By emulating the Prophet ﷺ and his noble Companions رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ in their constant istighfār, we open the doors to divine grace and compassion. May Allah grant us tongues that are moist with His remembrance and hearts that are always turned to Him in repentance.

Āmīn.