The Secret Behind Seeking Forgiveness Asking Forgiveness After the Prayer

There are some who say that it is not permissible to seek forgiveness after the prayer because of the following: " Allah only accept repentance from those who do evil in ignorance and then quickly seek repentance after it." [an-Nisa' (4): 17]

This way of thinking is incorrect because many are the hadiths wherein the prophet sought forgiveness after the prayer: The Messenger of Allah (SAW), when he had completed the prayer, would ask for forgiveness three times and then say, "O Allah! Your are the Perfect Peace, from you emanates peace, blessed are You, the Possessor of Majesty and Honor!"

Al- Walid said: I asked al-Awzâ'i, 'how does one ask forgiveness?' He replied, 'you say astaghfirullâh, astaghfirullâh '

Ibn Abi Shaybâh records with a sahîh isnâd on the authority of Zadhan who said; a man from amongst the Ansâr narrated to me that, I heard the Messenger of Allâh (SAW) saying at the end of the prayer, 'O Allâh! Forgive me and turn to me, you indeed are the Oft-Returning, the All-Forgiving' – one hundred times.

Ad-Daylâmi records on the authority of Abu Hurray that the Prophet (SAW) said Whoever asks Allâh's, Mighty and Magnificent is He, forgiveness seventy times after every prayer, all the sins he committed will be forgiven him

Al-Khâtib records that the Prophet (SAW) said Any servant who prays an obligatory prayer and then asks Allah's forgiveness ten times will not stand from his place except that his sins will have been forgiven him.

The Doors of Repentance

Allah says: Whosoever desires honor, power and glory then to Allaah belong all honour, power and glory [and one can get honour, power and glory only by worshipping Allaah(Alone)]. To Him ascend (all) the goodly words i.e. and the righteous deeds exalt it (the goodly words i.e. the goodly words are not accepted by Allaah unless and until they are followed by by good deeds), but those who plot evils, -theirs will be a severe torment. And the plotting of such will perish." (Faatir 35:10).

Also : "And your Lord said: 'Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation).Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation." (Ghaafir 40:60

Among the major acts of worship is repentance. And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strenght to your strength, so do not turn away as Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah)." (Hood 11:52)

Even when inviting the non muslims encourage them to repent: If they then repent, it will be better for them, but if they turn away, Allah will punish them with a painful torment in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. And there is none for them on earth as a Wali (supporter, protector) or a helper." (At-Tawbah 9:74)

Repentance from all sins is obligatory on every adult Muslim "And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." (An-Noor 24:31)‏ (An-Noor 24:31)‏ “O people! Repent to Allaah and seek for His forgiveness. I repent to Him in a day 100 times.” (Reported by Muslim).

In order for your repentance to be sincere and accepted there are conditions that must be met: 1. To discontinue the sin. 2. To regret over its occurrence. 3. To determine never to go back to that sin again. 4. To give back the right to whom it is due if the sin involves a man. 1. To discontinue the sin. 2. To regret over its occurrence. 3. To determine never to go back to that sin again. 4. To give back the right to whom it is due if the sin involves a man.

Also Repentance can be done at any time of the day: Allaah holds out His Hand during the night to receive the repentance of the one who has committed wrong during the day and holds outs His Hand during the day to receive the repentance of the one who has committed wrong during the night.” (Muslim) (Muslim)

Also Allah accepts repentance even if it it given twice or more In other words even if the person falls weak and commits the same sin again, Allah forgives over and over again as long as the conditions are met

Allah is so forgiving because he loves a person who repents: Allaah is happier when a servant of His repents to Him than a man who was on his camel in a waterless desert and the camel escaped from him with his food and water. When he has lost hope of finding it, he retired to a tree and lied down under its shade. As he was there, the camel suddenly appeared in front of him. He took hold of its halter and said in his state of excessive joy: ‘O my Lord You are my servant and I am Your Lord’. He uttered this erronious statement as a result of his being over-joyed.” (Muslim)

All people of piety repent for their sins: “Allah has forgiven the Prophet, the Muhajirun (Muslim emigrants who left their homes and came to A-Madinah) who followed him (Muhammad) in the time of distress (Tabuk expedition, etc.), after the hearts of a party or them had nearly deviated (from the Right Path), but He accepted their repentance. Certainly, He is unto them full of Kindness, Most Merciful.” (At-Tawbah 9:117) (At-Tawbah 9:117)

We should seek forgiveness as often as we can: “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, tahat He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).” (Hood 11:3)

Repentance and seeking forgiveness is the way to salvation: But as for him who repented (from polytheism and sins, etc.), believed (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad), and did righteous deeds (in the life or this world), then he will be among those who are successful.” (Qasas 28:67)

The Prophet saws also said: “Indeed, Allaah accepts the repentance of man as long as he hasnt started gargling (i.e. dying).”

So thus hasten to repent and be consistent: “And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped. And follow the best of that which is sent downto you from your Lord (i.e. this Qur’an, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not.” (Az-Zumar 39:54-55).

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