How to Ask Allah for Forgiveness

Making a Sincere Request

Identify your mistake or sin. It is very important to realize when you have strayed from Allah's guidance. Identify what you did wrong, why you did it, why Allah has forbidden it and how it has affected you and other people. Clear your mind, think openly, and acknowledge your mistakes and be hopeful for Allah's mercy. Take responsibility for your actions. Remember that you have the ability to make choices in your life and each choice will either please or displease Allah and therefore has consequences, either positive or negative. Study the rules of behavior set out in the Shariah, so that you know the difference between right and wrong from an Islamic perspective. Understand that while Allah is the Most Merciful and is normally disposed towards forgiveness, He can be severe in punishment for 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). Sins create a veil over the heart, which can separate you from Allah and lead to the Hellfire. However, by asking for forgiveness, you can undo this separation and save yourself. Even if your mistake seems minor to you, acknowledge it and ask Allah to forgive you. This will allow you to learn from it and use it to improve yourself. Devote some time each day to learning more about the religion of Islam. Try to familiarize yourself Allah's rules about what we can and can't do (halal and haram), as well as learning more about how Allah wishes to be worshiped. Allah does not expect everyone to be perfect, but He does expect all Muslims to seek to improve themselves incrementally each day, by recognizing their mistakes, learning from them and striving to obey Him more.

Ask for forgiveness because you really want to change for the better and have a good future. Do not ask for forgiveness because other people are pressuring you to do so. Many people may guide you and tell you what's right and what's not, and if they know that you have committed a sin, suggest you ask for forgiveness. But asking for forgiveness won't have any effect unless you sincerely regret your action. Sincerity means truly regretting in your heart what you have done wrong, feeling sorrow for the displeasure that you have brought Allah and understanding the reality of the punishment of the Hellfire. Crying during prayer shows genuine sincerity, regret and acknowledgement of Allah's power. Praying for forgiveness multiple times is part of the daily routine of worship of all Muslims. This will help to ensure that you’re always reflecting on your actions and seeking to improve yourself.

Promise not to repeat the mistake with deep sincerity. You can't ask for forgiveness with the vague intention of not doing it again. Make sure that you are dedicated to avoiding the behavior in the future before you ask for forgiveness. Otherwise, asking for forgiveness is an insincere act and you may receive Allah's punishment instead, both for the sin for insincerity. For example, if you lied about something to your brother, reflect on why this was wrong and commit to never doing it again. Tip: Don’t repeat the same sins. Even minor sins can lead to major sins, and that may even lead to leaving the fold of Islam. If the sin involved immoral behavior, then take clear steps to avoid repeating it, such as lowering your gaze, avoiding triggers and fasting.

Recognize if someone else was also affected by your sins or mistakes. Take some time to reflect on whether your actions hurt other people, and if so, who those people were and what harm you may have caused them. Once you identify who may have been harmed by your actions, you will need to apologize to them. If the sin violated the rights of any other person, like right of money or property, then it is necessary to restore their rights. For example, if you stole something from someone, give it back to them. If the sin consisted of slandering someone, then seek his forgiveness with all your heart. Apologize to them for what you said and ask them to forgive you.

Be grateful that you can ask for forgiveness. Never take Allah’s forgiveness for granted, but always be full of hope. Entering the period of repentance without being committed to Allah won't do any good. Have belief in Allah and pray that he will make things right and save you. Remember, the Quran says: “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] He said, "I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." [12:98] The key to staying away from sin is to become more focused on the Afterlife. This can be achieved by developing a comprehensive daily schedule of study and worship (ibadah). Thoughts of the bounties of Jannah (Heaven) and the punishments of Jahannam (Hellfire) should never be far away.

Finding the Right Time and Way to Pray

Perform Salah. Do your prayers with utmost sincerity and reverence toward Allah. Perform the five compulsory salah at their appointed times. If you are male, try to do them at a mosque. The calm and devoted environment might help you. Try to perform additional Sunnah (recommended) and Nafl (voluntary) rakats every day. They will count heavily in your favour, especially if you do them consistently. Salaat is the key to developing a close connection with Allah and must be prioritized above all else within the daily schedule of every Muslim.

After completing your salaat is a good time to ask forgiveness. Offer your prayers at the right time and with the right attitude and focus. 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 Salaat].” (Hud 11:114).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). Try to spend at least a few minutes after each fardh salah praying for forgiveness. Menstruating women can pray for forgiveness.

Continue to ask Allah for forgiveness day and night. Depending on the severity of your sin, you might not be forgiven in a day. Seeking forgiveness is a slow process of improving yourself from within and righting the wrong that you have done to Allah. Seeking forgiveness could be a long, tiring path, but this will be to your benefit in the long run as it may save you from the Hellfire. 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]. Tahajjud (the night prayer) is a good opportunity to pray for forgiveness, as this is when Allah is in His lowest Heaven. Remain mindful of the Day of Judgment when you will have to account to Allah for your actions and your fate in the Afterlife will be determined. Your salah is the first thing that will be examined so make sure you are consistent. Familiarise yourself with the descriptions from the Qur'an and authentic ahadith of the punishments that Allah has prepared in Jahannam (Hellfire) for those that disobey Him. Use these to motivate yourself to stay away from temptation and become a better Muslim.

Use Allah's different names that attribute his kindness and forgiveness. The most suitable of the names include Al-’Afuww (He who pardons), Al-Ghafoor (He who forgives), and Al-Ghaffaar (The Oft-Forgiving). Using one or all of these names might help to increase the power of your prayers. “And Allah has the most excellent and perfect names, so worship and invoke Him by them” (Al-A’raaf, 7:180)

Recite the duas to seek forgiveness. The duas are prayers of supplication. You can recite duas as a special way to ask Allah for forgiveness. Some options include: "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."" [7:23] Recite Astaghfirullah constantly. As a minimum, say it 100 times a day, including 3 times after every salat. Many Muslims recite "Astaghfirullah al Azeem" (I seek forgiveness from Allah the Most Mighty) thousands of times as part of the self-healing process after sinning, for example for missing Fajr. 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]

Using Acts to Seek Forgiveness

Plan to fast during the month of Ramadan. It is the most important time for any Muslim to show his devotion towards Allah. Moreover, it is considered the “month of forgiveness.” Delve deep into sincerity and devotion during this time to seek forgiveness for your sins. 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 of becoming more aware of Allah's numerous gifts and reminds Muslims of His generosity.

Perform good deeds to erase bad deeds. Focus on doing good deeds that Allah appreciates. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds.[11:114] Look for opportunities to help your neighbors in your daily life. For example, you could 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 a homeless person. Read Qur'an every day, make the recommended adhkar after each salaat and seek opportunities for dhikr throughout each day. These actions will all bring great rewards and help you develop the focus on the Afterlife and connection with Allah that will keep you away from sin. Incorporating the recommended schedule of morning and evening adhkar into your daily routine will help you become a strong and focused Muslim. Voluntary fasting will help you to appreciate Allah's gifts more, to build resolve to live a good life in the obedience of Allah and to develop the self-control to resist temptation. Fast every Monday and Thursday if you are able, but try to fast at least on the white days of each month (13th, 14th and 15th).

Give charity (Zakat). Zakat is an effective way to offset your sins, which will not only make you feel better about yourself, but will also make someone else's life better. Donate to a charity regularly or offer your time if you cannot afford to give money, such as by volunteering at a local soup kitchen.Tip: Keep in mind that 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’ve committed a major sin and are able to go. A hajj is a religious pilgrimage. It is said that all your sins would be washed away when you go on a hajj for the first time. However, a spiritual pilgrimage is a big undertaking, so this might not be a realistic option for everyone. This 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 by attending Jummah prayers and other religious events.

Do little things that can help you when seeking forgiveness. Small moments of mindfulness during prayer, surrounding yourself with the right people, and even how you dress may also affect how Allah receives your request for forgiveness. Look for minor things you can do to bolster your faith. Saying "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. Surround yourself and attend weekly Islamic study circles with other people mindful of Allah. It is very important to be away from bad company or any person who distracts you from the holy path of Islam. Close friendships should be reserved for other Muslims, as there is always a risk that non-Muslims may lead you away from Islam. Following the Islamic dress code will help you remember Allah and remind you of the need to stay within the limits set out in the Shariah. EXPERT TIP Mekaeel Mohsin Mekaeel Mohsin Imam 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. Mekaeel Mohsin Mekaeel Mohsin Imam Allah 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.