By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
By
Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
Islâm teaches us to ask Allâh’s forgiveness for our sins. It enlightens us to know that Allâh I is the Only One Who can forgive our sins and therefore save us from any sort of punishment in the life Hereafter. It guides us to know Him and seek for His forgiveness:
“...And know that Allâh knows what is in your hearts and take heed of Him; and know that Allâh is Oft Forgiving, Most Forbearing.” (2:235)
“Know, therefore, that there is no god but Allâh, and ask forgiveness for your fault...” (47:19).
“Be you foremost (in seeking) forgiveness from your Rabb, and a Garden (of Bliss), the width whereof is as the width of Heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allâh and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allâh, which He bestows on whom He pleases; and Allâh is the Rabb (Only God) of Grace abounding.” (57:21)
“O you who believe! Fear, Allâh, and believe in His Messenger, and He will bestow on you a double portion of His Mercy. He will provide for you a Light by which you shall walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past); for Allâh is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (57:28)
Islâm further guides us to salvation with various supplications for forgiveness. Examples of such supplications are as follows:
“…Our Rabb! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error. Our Rabb! Lay not on us a burden as You did lay on those before us. Our Rabb! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Grant us victory over the unbelievers.” (2:286)
“... ‘Our Rabb! Perfect our Light for us, and grant us Forgiveness, for You have power over all things.’” (66:8)
Abdullâh bin Amr t narrated that Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said to the Prophet r “O Allâh’s Messenger! Teach me an invocation with which I may invoke Allâh in my prayers.” The Prophet r said Say: “Allâhumma inni dhalamtu nafsi dhulman kathiran wala yaghfiru dh-dhunuba illa anta, Faghfirli maghfiratan min indika war-hamni, innaka antalGhafur-Rahim.” (O Allâh! I have wronged my soul very much (oppressed myself), and none forgives the sins but You; so please bestow Your Forgiveness upon me. No doubt, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” ) (Bukhâri 8/388 and 9/485)
Shadad bin ‘Aus t narrated that the Prophet r said, “The most superior way of asking for forgiveness from Allâh is: 'Allâhumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta. Khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa Wa'dika mastata'tu abu'u Laka bi ni 'matika wa abu'u Laka bidhanbi; faghfirli fa'innahu la yaghfiru-dh-dhunuba ill a anta. A'uidhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu.’ (O Allâh! You are my Rabb. None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your slave. I And I am faithful to my covenant and my promise (to You) as much as I can. I acknowledge before You all my sins, so please forgive them, as no one can forgive sins except You. And I seek refuge in You from all the evil (deeds) I have done.” If somebody recites this invocation during the night, and if he should die then, he will go to Paradise (or he will be from the people of Paradise). And if he recites it in the morning, and if he should die on the same day, he will have the same fate.” (Bukhâri 8/335)
For our supplications to be answered, Islâm teaches us when and how to supplicate for forgiveness from Allâh I. We read for examples the following Ahâdîth:
Abu Hurairah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “Every night when it is the last third of the night, our Rabb, the Superior, the Blessed, descends to the nearest heaven and says: Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?” (Bukhâri 9/586, 8/335 and 2/246)
Ubada ibn As-Samit t narrated that the Prophet r said, “Whoever gets up at night and says ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allâh. He is the Only One Who has no partner. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Him. He is Omnipotent. All the praises are for Allâh. All the glories are for Allâh. And none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh, and Allâh is the Most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allâh.” And then says: “O Allâh! Forgive me” Or invokes (Allâh), he will be responded to and if he performs ablution [and offers Salat (prayer)], his Salat (prayer) will be accepted.’” (Bukhâri 2/253)
Anas bin Malik t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “The supplication made between the adhan and the iqamah is not rejected.” (Abu Dawud 521)
Abu Umamah t narrated that Ii was asked: Allâh’s Messenger r, which supplication is most readily answered? He said The one in the middle of the later part of the night and at the end of obligatory prayers.” (Tirmidhi 968 and1505)
Anas bin Malik t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “Whenever anyone of you invoke Allâh for something, he should be firm in his asking, and he should not say: 'If You wish, give me...’ for none can compel Allâh to do something against His Will.” (Bukhâri 9/556)
Anas bin Malik t narrated, “I ‘as sitting with Allâh’s Messenger r and a man was offering prayer. He then made supplication: “O Allâh, I ask You by virtue of the fact that praise is due to You. There is no deity but You, Who shows favor and beneficence, the Originator of the Heavens and the earth. O Rabb of Majesty and Splendor, O Living One, O Eternal One...” The Prophet r then said, “He has supplicated Allâh using His Greatest Name, when supplicated by this name, He answers, and when asked by this name He gives.’” (Abu Dawud 1490)
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