Allah says, “O My slaves who have been prodigal to their own hurt! Despair not of the mercy of Allah, Who forgiveth all sins. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
As the world progresses and the Day of Judgment approaches, even the most pious believers may fall into sin. For those who are fortunate, committing sins brings feelings of shame and remorse, prompting sincere repentance. However, when sitting in front of Allah and raising their hands for dua, many ask themselves, “Will Allah forgive me?” This concern is addressed repeatedly throughout the Quran, reassuring those seeking forgiveness.
The concept of forgiveness is referenced approximately two hundred times in the Quran, supported by numerous hadiths and verses that emphasize its importance. Furthermore, several verses state that Allah’s mercy surpasses His anger. One of Allah’s names, ‘Al-Ghafoor,’ which means ‘The All-Forgiving,’ is also mentioned frequently in the Quran, highlighting His infinite mercy toward His servants.
What does it take for Allah to Forgive?
Simply put, Allah forgives Muslims as long as they keep repenting. No matter how many times we commit sins, Allah forgives us. No matter how many times we commit the same sin, he still forgives us because he is the Most Merciful, the All-Forgiving.
What If Allah Doesn’t Forgive Me?
In a well-known story, Imam Ali encountered a man who was overwhelmed by despair because of the numerous sins he had committed. Imam Ali told him, “Your despair of God’s Mercy is a greater sin than any you have committed.” God’s Mercy is limitless, and by believing we cannot attain it due to our sins, we misinterpret His Infinite Mercy. In doing so, we form a misguided perception of our Lord and overlook the true significance of the statement, “My Mercy overcomes My Wrath.”
There is a well-known story about a man who committed a severe sin and sought guidance from an Imam.
The Imam advised him, “Seek God’s forgiveness.”
The man left but soon returned to the Imam. “I have committed a great sin,” he said, bowed head in shame.
Again, the Imam replied, “Seek the forgiveness of God.” The man left once more, only to return shortly after.
“I have committed a great sin,” he repeated, feeling remorse.
The Imam responded once more, “Seek the forgiveness of God.” The man went away again but soon came back again.
“I have committed a great sin,” he said again.
The Imam patiently replied, “Seek the forgiveness of God.”
The man spoke up this time, saying, “Oh Imam, every time I sin, you tell me to seek God’s forgiveness, and I do. But my sins keep recurring and are too many. When will God stop forgiving me?”
The Imam smiled and answered, “He will stop forgiving you when His servant stops asking.”
This story beautifully illustrates the importance of being steadfast in asking forgiveness and reassuring us that the doors of Allah’s mercy are always open for his servants.
“When Allah finished creating everything, He declared in His book, which is with Him on the Throne: Indeed, My mercy outweighs My wrath.”
Dua For Forgiveness.
In a hadith, the Prophet PBUH said that the most superior way of asking for forgiveness is by reciting this dua:
Transliteration:
Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Khalaqtani wa ana `Abduka, wa ana `ala `ahdika wa wa`dika mastata`tu, A`udhu bika min Sharri ma sana`tu, abu’u Laka bini`matika `alaiya, wa abu’u laka bidhanbi faghfir lee fa innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta.”
Translation:
O Allah, you are my Lord. There is no god but you. You have created me, and I am your servant—and I am upon Your covenant and promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the worst of what I have done. I fully admit to You Your blessings upon me, and I fully admit to You all my sins. So forgive me, for there is none to forgive sins but You.
This is such a powerful dua that the Prophet PBUH said: If someone recites it during the day with sincere faith and passes away before evening, they will surely be among the people of Paradise. Likewise, if a person recites it at night with steadfast belief and dies before morning, they will also be counted among the people of Paradise.
Other Duas For Forgiveness
Dua 01
Transliteration:
Rabb-ighfir li, wa tubb `alayya, innaka Antat-Tawwabur-Rahim.
Translation:
My Lord, grant me forgiveness and mercy; You are the One who pardons and forgives.
Dua 02
Transliteration:
Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran wa la yaghfirudh-dhunub illa Anta, faghfirli maghfiratan min ‘indika warhamni, innaka Antal-Ghafurur-Rahim.
Translation:
O Allah, I have sinned greatly against myself, and no one can forgive sins except You. Please grant me Your forgiveness and have mercy on me, for You are the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful.
How To Keep Away From Sins
Changing Environment
One of the best ways to stop committing sins is to stay away from places or people who encourage them, such as friends who indulge in wrongdoing or places that are constantly surrounded by evildoing. When one is constantly in a place where sinning is normalized, it becomes hard to hold oneself back.
Not Belitting A Sin
Never belittle a sin. No matter how small or insignificant you might think it is, remember that minor sins eventually lead to major ones. It doesn’t matter if you heard a little music or went to a haram gathering; always regard it as a significant matter and take steps to prevent it.
“Don’t look at any sin as being insignificant. Rather, look at the greatness of the One you disobeyed.” ~ Bilāl b. Saʿīd (raḥimahullāh)
Remembering The Punishments
Remembering the punishments for the sins one is about to commit can help to stop him. Realizing that there is a whole life in the hereafter should encourage anyone to exercise caution.
The Unfazed Heart
The Prophet PBUH said,
“Indeed, when a servant of Allah commits a sin, a dark spot forms on his heart. If he abstains from it, asks for forgiveness, and repents, his heart becomes cleansed. However, if he persists in sinning, the spots accumulate until they encompass his entire heart.”
When one persists in sinning, they become used to it. It doesn’t faze them anymore, whether it is leaving their prayer or watching something that is forbidden. The ‘black dots’ cause the heart to rust until it becomes spiritually numb.
What does it take for Allah to Forgive Other Than Dua?
Other things that a person can do to gain the forgiveness of Allah other than making dua are as follows:
- Spending in the way of Allah.
- Helping somebody in need.
- Restraining your anger and not lashing out.