Download ArticlePowerful duas & actions for seeking Allah’s forgiveness
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This article was co-authored by Mekaeel Mohsin. Shaykh Mekaeel is an Imam at the Islamic Community of Salinas in Salinas, California. He is the founder of the Voyagers of Knowledge YouTube channel, which creates Islamic educational content. He attended the Islamic University of Madinah and earned a degree from the school of Da'wah and Usuluddeen.
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Allah created humans knowing they’d sin because it’s human to make mistakes—after all, nobody is perfect! If you’re seeking Allah’s forgiveness, remember that Allah is merciful and have hope in His ability to forgive. Feel remorse for your actions, sincerely ask Him for forgiveness, and promise to try not to repeat the mistake. In this article, we’ll tell you how to ask Allah for forgiveness, what prayers and duas are best for forgiveness, and what other acts of worship you can do to offset your sin, purify your heart, and feel at peace.
The Best Way to Ask Allah for Forgiveness
Acknowledge what you did wrong and feel sorry for the mistake you made. Ask Allah for forgiveness from your heart and share your sincere intention to not make the mistake again. If your sin harmed anyone else, apologize to them, too. Most importantly, believe in Allah’s mercy and trust that He will forgive you.
Steps
Admit your mistake and feel remorseful for your actions. Take a deep breath and acknowledge that you did something wrong. Take responsibility for your actions and feel truly sorry for what you did. While it can be hard to admit your mistakes, confessing your sins and acknowledging how they affect you, Allah, and other people can help you feel better and be hopeful for Allah's mercy.[1]- Acknowledge that you are responsible for your choices and that your actions can have either positive or negative consequences in Allah’s eyes.
- Even if your mistake seems minor to you, acknowledge it and ask Allah to forgive you. This helps you learn from it and use it to improve yourself.
- Understand that Allah is the Most Merciful and wants to forgive you. While the Qur'an warns that punishment awaits those who disobey Him and do not live their lives in the way that He has commanded in the Qur'an and through Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa-sallam), he will forgive you if you sincerely repent and try to be better.
- Allah does not expect you to be perfect. What he does want from you is to seek His forgiveness and strive to improve yourself. This comes from religious education, recognizing your mistakes, and learning from them.
- Sins are thought to create a veil over your heart, which can separate you from Allah and potentially lead to more sins. Asking for forgiveness helps undo this separation and purify your heart.
- Devote some time each day to learn more about Islam. Familiarize yourself with Allah's rules about what’s right and wrong (halal and haram), as well as how Allah requires His servants to behave.
- Study the rules of behavior in the Shariah for guidance on what is considered right and wrong.
Pray to Allah with sincerity and the intention to be better. There’s no right way to ask for Allah’s forgiveness. All He asks is that you put your heart into your prayer so He knows you’re sincere and feel remorseful. So, be open and vulnerable with Allah, take your time with your prayer, and truly feel your words.[2]- Sincerity means regretting what you did in your heart and feeling sorrow for disobeying Allah.
- Only ask for forgiveness because you want it and acknowledge that you did something wrong. Don’t ask for it just because other people are pressuring you to.
- Praying for forgiveness is part of most Muslims’ daily worship. This can help ensure that you’re always reflecting on your actions and seeking to improve yourself.
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Promise to avoid making the mistake again. Allah knows that you are human and that you will make mistakes. He doesn’t need you to promise that you’ll never sin again, just that you intend to avoid the behavior in the future. When you pray, be sincere in your intention to do right by Allah, be a better person, and learn from your mistake.[3]- For example, if you lied to your brother, reflect on why this was wrong. Then, commit to not doing it again.
- If it’s helpful for you, take clear steps to avoid repeating your mistake or sin.
Ask for forgiveness even if you make the same mistake over again. Imam Shaykh Mekaeel says Allah “still wants us to come back and repent and to try again and again and again and again” whenever “we make a mistake” or “whenever we fall short.” Mekaeel says, “there's no shame in making a mistake. The shame is persisting in that mistake without changing yourself.”
Ask for forgiveness from anyone who was affected by your mistake. Take some time to reflect on whether your actions hurt other people, and if so, who those people were and what harm you caused them. Then, sincerely apologize to them by acknowledging how you hurt them and asking for their forgiveness.[4]- If you damaged a person’s property or reputation, promise to remedy the situation and change your behavior. For example, if you stole from them, give the item back.
Believe in Allah’s ability to forgive you. Remember that Allah is infinitely merciful and loving. If you are hopeful that Allah will forgive you and you believe in His mercy, He will forgive you. Thank Allah for His forgiveness and trust that He will be merciful.- Remember what the Qur’an says of Allah’s forgiveness:
- “Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, for He is truly Most Forgiving.” [71:10][5]
- “Indeed Allah loves those who repent and purify themselves.“ [Surah Al Baqarah, 2:222]
- "Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful." [2:37][6]
- “He said, ‘I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’" [12:98][7]
- Focusing on the Afterlife helps some Muslims avoid sinning. For instance, develop a comprehensive daily schedule of study and worship (ibadah). Think about the bounties of Jannah (Heaven) and the punishments of Jahannam (Hellfire).
- Remember what the Qur’an says of Allah’s forgiveness:
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Perform Salah. Perform the 5 Salah at their appointed times each day. Before each prayer, set your intention to sincerely revere Allah. Try to perform additional Sunnah (recommended) and Nafl (voluntary) rakats every day, too. These can help show Allah your desire for forgiveness.[8]- Salaat is the key to developing a close connection with Allah and is prioritized above all else within the daily schedule of every Muslim.
- If you are a male, try to perform Salah at a mosque. The calm and devoted environment might help you.
- Remain mindful of the Day of Judgment, which is when Allah judges your actions and determines your fate in the Afterlife. The Qur'an says that Salah is the first thing examined, so make sure you are consistent with your prayers.
Ask Allah for forgiveness after completing your Salaat. Spend a few minutes after each Salaat praying to Allah for forgiveness. Focus on your feelings of remorse, your intention to do better, and your hope in Allah’s mercy.[9]- Allah says in the Quran, “And perform Salaat, at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory Salah].” (Hud 11:114).
- Menstruating women can pray for forgiveness.
Tip: Praying two ra'kaah of Salaah attentively can also aid your seeking of forgiveness. The Prophet (S.A.W.S) said, “He who performs ablution properly, then prays any two rak’aah (of salaah) without being heedless, will get all his previous sins forgiven.” (Ahmad).
Recite duas to seek forgiveness. Duas are prayers of supplication. You can also recite duas as a way to ask Allah for forgiveness. Some duas for forgiveness include:[10]- Astaghfirullah: “I seek forgiveness from Allah the Most Mighty.” Say it at least 100 times, which is in line with Prophet Muhammed’s (peace be upon him) practices. Many Muslims recite "Astaghfirullah al Azeem" thousands of times as part of their self-healing process after sinning, like for missing Fajr.
- Qur’an 7:23: "They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.’"[11]
- Sayyidul Istighfar: “O Allah, you’re my Lord, none has the suitable to be worshipped besides You. You created me and I’m Your servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as finest I can. I take refuge in You from the evil of which I dedicated. I acknowledge Your favour upon me and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin besides You.”
- Astaghfar, the Fifth Kalima: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly, and I turn towards Him from the sin that I know and from the sin that I do not know. Certainly You are the knower of the hidden things and the Concealer (of) the mistakes and the Forgiver of the sins. And there is no power and no strength except from Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
- Subhan Allah Wa Bihamdihi: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever says, 'Subhan Allah Wa Bihamdihi,' 100 times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6405][12]
Use Allah's different names that attribute his kindness and forgiveness. Saying Allah’s other names as you pray can help increase the sincerity of your repentance and your belief in His mercy. For instance, say: Al-Ghaffaar (The Oft-Forgiving), Al-Ghafoor (The All-Forgiving), Al-Rahman/Al-Rahim (The Most Merciful and Compassionate), Al-’Afuww (He Who Pardons), and Al-Tawwab (The Acceptor of Repentance).[13]- As the Qur'an states, “And Allah has the most excellent and perfect names, so worship and invoke Him by them” (Al-A’raaf, 7:180)
Continue to ask Allah for forgiveness day and night. You may find it helpful to keep asking Allah for forgiveness for the mistake you made, depending on its seriousness and the progress you’re making on righting the sin. For some people, seeking forgiveness can be a slow process of improving themselves.- Don’t feel that you need to keep repenting for the same mistake. Overly repenting can sometimes turn into self-loathing, which isn’t healthy or helpful to your relationship with Allah. Remember that Allah is infinitely merciful, as He forgives sins both big and small, and that making mistakes is human nature; it doesn’t make you a bad person.[14]
- The Prophet (S.A.W.S) said: “Allah, the Exalted, will continue to stretch out His Hand in the night so that the sinners of the day may repent, and continue to stretch His Hand in the daytime so that the sinners of the night may repent, until the sun rises from the west (the start of Day of Judgment)”. [Sahih Muslim].[15]
- Asking for forgiveness after performing Tahajjud (the night prayer) is a good time to repent, as this is when Allah is in His lowest Heaven.
- Familiarize yourself with the punishments that Allah has prepared in Jahannam (Hellfire) for those that disobey Him in the Qur'an and authentic ahadith. These can be helpful to motivate you to avoid mistakes and be a better Muslim.
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Perform good deeds to erase bad deeds. As Allah says, “Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds.” [11:114][16] Even the smallest of good deeds help wipe away your mistake, like smiling at a stranger, keeping in touch with your family, helping your neighbors, or volunteering in your community.[17]- For example, help your neighbor carry in a heavy piece of furniture, give a ride to a coworker whose car is in the shop, or buy a meal for someone in need.
- Acts of worship are also considered good deeds, like reading the Qur'an, making the recommended adhkar after each salaat, and seeking opportunities for dhikr each day. These actions help you connect with Allah and can keep you away from sin.
- Voluntary fasting can help you appreciate Allah's gifts, build the resolve to live a good life in obedience to Allah, and develop the self-control to resist temptation.
- If you are able, fast every Monday and Thursday. Try to at least fast on the white days of each month (the 13th, 14th, and 15th).
Plan to fast during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the most important time for Muslims to show their devotion to Allah. Moreover, it is considered the “Month of Forgiveness.” Delve deep into your sincerity and devotion as you celebrate Ramadan to seek Allah’s forgiveness for your sins.[18]- The Prophet (S.A.W.S) said: “The five daily prayers and one Jumu’ah to the next, and one Ramadan to the next Ramadan, is expiation for what lies between them as long as one refrains from the major sins.” [Sahih Muslim]
- Fasting is a great way to recognize Allah's numerous gifts and remind yourself of His generosity.
Give charity (Zakat). Zakat is an effective way to offset your sins, as it not only helps you feel better, but it helps make someone else's life better. Donate to a charity once per year, or give your time if you cannot afford to give money, such as volunteering at a local soup kitchen.[19]Not: Your desire to help others is more important than the amount you give. If you can only afford to donate $1 (USD), then that’s fine!
Perform Hajj, if you are able to go. Hajj is the religious pilgrimage to Mecca. It is believed that all your sins are washed away when you perform Hajj for the first time. This pilgrimage is a big undertaking, so it might not be a realistic option for everyone.[20]- Hajj might be something you’d do if you’ve committed a major sin and are seeking total spiritual purification.
- If you visit a Muslim country on holiday, try to immerse yourself in its religious culture. For example, attend Jummah prayers and other religious events.
- Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam that is required of all Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing it.
Do little things to help you when seeking forgiveness. Small moments of mindfulness during prayer, surrounding yourself with good people, and even dressing more modestly might affect how Allah receives your request for forgiveness. Look for minor things you can do to bolster your faith. For instance:- Say "Ameen." The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa-sallam) said, “When the Imaam says ‘Ameen,’ say ‘Ameen,’ because he who coincides with the angels when saying Ameen will get all his previous sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhaari & Muslim).
- Send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa-sallam) as many times as you can every day.
- Attend weekly Islamic study circles with other people mindful of Allah.
- Surround yourself with good influences and people who inspire you to be better. Stay away from people who don’t make you feel good or who distract you from your faith.
- Follow the Islamic dress code. This can help you remember Allah and obey the code of conduct set out in the Shariah.
EXPERT TIPShaykh Mekaeel is an Imam at the Islamic Community of Salinas in Salinas, California. He is the founder of the Voyagers of Knowledge YouTube channel, which creates Islamic educational content. He attended the Islamic University of Madinah and earned a degree from the school of Da'wah and Usuluddeen.Imam
Mekaeel Mohsin
ImamAllah is the essence of mercy. We all make mistakes sometimes. It's part of being human. But the amazing thing about Allah is how merciful and forgiving He is. Keeping that in mind can really help you through the tough moments when you feel like you've erred. His mercy is always there as your guiding light.
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- QuestionI did some sins that I hate myself for to this day. Is possible for me to be baptized to wash away my sins. Or is praying the best?
Community AnswerTo get forgiveness, as said in the Qur'an, praying and asking Allah is the best. Make sure you do not commit that sin again, though. - QuestionI watched porn, is Allah going to forgive me, and do I have to let someone know that I committed these sins?
Community AnswerAllah is more merciful than anyone, he will forgive. To let yourself be safe from Shaitaan's trap, ask Allah for forgiveness and promise to never commit that mistake again! You should never expose your sins, keep it with Allah and he will forgive you. - QuestionI always make a promise to Allah but I still broke it. Can he still forgive me? What do I do?Community AnswerAllah will keep forgiving you as long as you ask for forgiveness.
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Tips
- Try to avoid people who have a bad influence on you. This helps make it easier to stay on your spiritual path.Thanks
- Practice self-control to avoid making similar mistakes in future.Thanks
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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of How.com.vn readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on How.com.vn, please submit it in the field below.
- Erase the belief that you can't be forgiven, as this is likely Shaitan's doing. Always believe in Allah, and know that Allah will forgive all sins.
- If you ever feel away from your deen, sit down and read the Qur'an. Or, watch some religious videos. This helps you feel connected again.
- Try to keep up your promises with Allah (SWT). Pray Salah, read the Qur'an regularly, and try to make yourself a better person.
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Warnings
- Never ask for forgiveness half-heartedly. Only ask for it if you really regret what you did.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.almadina.org/studio/articles/seeking-allahs-forgiveness
- ↑ https://www.almadina.org/studio/articles/seeking-allahs-forgiveness
- ↑ https://www.almadina.org/studio/articles/seeking-allahs-forgiveness
- ↑ https://www.almadina.org/studio/articles/seeking-allahs-forgiveness
- ↑ https://quran.com/en/nuh/10
- ↑ https://quran.com/2/37
- ↑ https://quran.com/12/98
- ↑ https://raleighmasjid.org/how-to-perform-salah/
- ↑ https://www.almadina.org/studio/articles/seeking-allahs-forgiveness
- ↑ https://myislam.org/11-powerful-duas-for-forgiveness-from-allah/
- ↑ https://quran.com/7/23
- ↑ https://sunnah.com/bukhari/80/100
- ↑ https://www.islamicity.org/11211/forgiveness-and-repentance-in-islam/
- ↑ https://www.carleton.edu/chaplain/news/forgiveness-during-ramadan/
- ↑ https://muslimmatters.org/2012/06/13/riyadh-as-saliheen-series-ahadith-16-17-18/
- ↑ https://quran.com/11/114
- ↑ https://muslimhands.org.uk/_ui/uploads/f5ozva/30%20Days,%2030%20Good%20Deeds%20(Muslim%20Hands).pdf
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramadan
- ↑ https://www.zakat.org/what-is-zakat
- ↑ https://www.princeton.edu/~humcomp/hajjguide.html
About This Article
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This article was co-authored by Mekaeel Mohsin. Shaykh Mekaeel is an Imam at the Islamic Community of Salinas in Salinas, California. He is the founder of the Voyagers of Knowledge YouTube channel, which creates Islamic educational content. He attended the Islamic University of Madinah and earned a degree from the school of Da'wah and Usuluddeen. This article has been viewed 597,585 times.
Co-authors: 46
Updated: May 7, 2024
Views: 597,585
Categories: Islam
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