Seeking Allah's Forgiveness Every Single Day

Introduction

Every human being makes mistakes. We forget, become distracted, speak words we regret, or fall into sins that weigh heavily on our hearts. No matter how sincere we try to be, none of us is perfect. Yet one of the most beautiful truths in Islam is that Allah never expects perfection from His servants. Instead, He invites us to return to Him again and again through tawbah (repentance) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness).

Allah is not looking for people who never make mistakes. He loves those who recognize their shortcomings, humble themselves before Him, and sincerely ask for His mercy. Every time we say Astaghfirullah with a sincere heart, we are knocking on the door of the Most Merciful, the One whose forgiveness is greater than every sin.

For beginners in Islam and lifelong believers alike, seeking Allah's forgiveness is not a sign of failure. It is a sign of faith. It is a journey of hope, healing, and returning to the One who loves to forgive.

No matter what your past holds, Allah's mercy is always greater.

Allah Is the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful

Among the beautiful Names of Allah are Al-Ghafur (The All-Forgiving), Al-Ghaffar (The Constantly Forgiving), and At-Tawwab (The One Who Accepts Repentance).

These names remind us that forgiveness is part of Allah's perfect mercy.

Allah says:

"Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent and loves those who purify themselves."

(Qur'an 2:222)

What an incredible promise.

Allah does not merely forgive those who repent.

He loves them.

Imagine carrying the burden of mistakes for years, only to discover that sincere repentance can become a means of earning Allah's love.

This fills the heart with hope and removes despair.

Never Despair of Allah's Mercy

Sometimes people think their sins are too great to be forgiven.

Perhaps they have neglected prayer.

Perhaps they have spoken harshly.

Perhaps they have made choices they deeply regret.

The Qur'an answers every hopeless heart with one of its most comforting verses.

Allah says:

"Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.'"

(Qur'an 39:53)

Notice how gently Allah speaks.

He calls them "My servants."

Even after their mistakes, He does not reject them.

Instead, He invites them back.

This verse has comforted believers for centuries.

No matter how far someone has gone, the road back to Allah is always open while life remains.

Every Child of Adam Makes Mistakes

Islam does not teach that believers are flawless.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Every son of Adam makes mistakes, and the best of those who make mistakes are those who repent."

(Jami' al-Tirmidhi, 2499 – Hasan)

This hadith changes how we view ourselves.

Making mistakes is part of being human.

Remaining distant from Allah because of those mistakes is what truly harms the heart.

The best people are not those who never fall.

They are those who return to Allah quickly, sincerely, and humbly.

Every sincere repentance is a step toward spiritual growth.

The Prophet ﷺ Sought Forgiveness Constantly

If anyone could have felt secure, it was the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Yet despite his perfect example and forgiven status, he sought Allah's forgiveness every day.

He said:

"By Allah, I seek Allah's forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times a day."

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6307)

Another narration mentions more than one hundred times a day.

Why?

Because seeking forgiveness is not only for major sins.

It softens the heart.

It strengthens humility.

It reminds us that we always need Allah.

If the best of creation constantly sought forgiveness, how much more do we need it?

What Is True Tawbah?

True repentance is much more than saying Astaghfirullah with the tongue.

It begins in the heart.

The scholars explain that sincere tawbah includes:

Feeling Genuine Regret

Recognizing that we have displeased Allah.

Not because people discovered our mistake, but because we love our Lord.

Leaving the Sin

Making a sincere effort to stop the wrongdoing.

Repentance grows stronger when accompanied by change.

Resolving Not to Return

We sincerely intend not to repeat the sin.

If we later fall again, we should repent again.

Allah never tires of sincere repentance.

Restoring People's Rights

If our mistake harmed another person, we should apologize or return what belongs to them whenever possible.

Islam beautifully combines love for Allah with justice toward people.

Allah Rejoices When We Return

One of the most beautiful hadith about repentance describes Allah's joy.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant than one of you who finds his camel after losing it in a barren desert."

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6309; Sahih Muslim, 2747)

Imagine someone stranded in a desert after losing their only means of survival.

Then suddenly finding it again.

The Prophet ﷺ says Allah's joy at our repentance is even greater.

This hadith reminds us that Allah is not looking for reasons to reject us.

He loves welcoming His servants back.

Istighfar Brings Blessings

Seeking forgiveness does not only erase sins.

It also brings blessings into our lives.

Prophet Nuh (Noah) عليه السلام told his people:

"Seek forgiveness from your Lord. Indeed, He is Ever-Forgiving. He will send rain upon you in abundance, increase you in wealth and children, and provide for you gardens and rivers."

(Qur'an 71:10–12)

These verses show that repentance opens doors to Allah's mercy.

The blessings may appear in different forms.

Peace of heart.

Greater contentment.

Improved relationships.

Answered du'as.

Unexpected opportunities.

The greatest blessing remains Allah's forgiveness itself.

A Heart That Repents Finds Peace

Sin often leaves the heart feeling heavy.

Repentance lifts that burden.

Allah says:

"Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer—We will surely grant them a good life."

(Qur'an 16:97)

One of the greatest parts of that good life is inner peace.

A believer who regularly seeks forgiveness does not remain trapped by guilt.

Instead, they move forward with hope.

They trust Allah's mercy more than their own shortcomings.

This hopeful outlook strengthens faith and protects against despair.

Wisdom from the Classical Scholars

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله wrote that sincere repentance is the beginning and end of every believer's journey. He explained that every stage of spiritual growth requires repeatedly returning to Allah with humility and hope.

Imam Al-Ghazali رحمه الله taught that remembering our shortcomings should never lead to hopelessness. Rather, it should increase our awareness of Allah's mercy and inspire us to seek His forgiveness more often.

Their wisdom reminds us that repentance is not a one-time event.

It is a lifelong habit that keeps the heart alive.

Practical Ways to Make Istighfar Part of Daily Life

Say Astaghfirullah Frequently

Repeat it throughout your day with attention and sincerity.

Even a few moments of remembrance soften the heart.

Repent After Every Prayer

Spend a minute asking Allah to forgive your known and unknown mistakes.

The Prophet ﷺ regularly sought forgiveness after prayer.

Reflect Before Sleeping

Take a few quiet moments each night.

Thank Allah for your blessings.

Recognize your mistakes.

Ask Him to forgive you before you sleep.

Do Good Deeds

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Follow a bad deed with a good one; it will erase it."

(Jami' al-Tirmidhi, 1987 – Hasan)

Acts of charity, kindness, prayer, and remembrance help purify the heart.

Never Delay Repentance

Life is uncertain.

Whenever you recognize a mistake, return to Allah immediately.

His door remains open until our final breath.

Forgive Others as You Hope to Be Forgiven

Seeking Allah's forgiveness should also soften our hearts toward other people.

Allah says:

"...Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love that Allah should forgive you?"

(Qur'an 24:22)

Every believer hopes for Allah's mercy.

One beautiful way of seeking it is by showing mercy to others.

Forgiveness heals relationships.

It frees the heart from bitterness.

It reflects the beautiful character taught by Islam.

Conclusion

Seeking Allah's forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts in Islam. It reminds us that our mistakes do not define us and that no sincere believer is ever beyond the reach of Allah's mercy. Every heartfelt Astaghfirullah, every tear of repentance, and every step back toward Allah is welcomed by the One who is more merciful to us than we can imagine.

Do not allow guilt to keep you distant from your Lord. Let it become the reason you draw closer to Him. Begin each day with hope, end each day with repentance, and trust that Allah sees your sincerity even when your efforts feel small. He knows your struggles, your regrets, and your desire to improve.

Remember that the journey of faith is not about never falling—it is about always returning. Every sincere return brings new light to the heart, strengthens our relationship with Allah, and fills our lives with peace that comes from knowing we are forgiven by the Most Merciful.

May Allah make us among those who constantly seek His forgiveness with sincere hearts. May He purify our souls, erase our sins, accept our repentance, increase us in faith and humility, and fill our lives with His mercy and guidance. May our final meeting with Him be one of forgiveness, love, and eternal happiness in Jannatul Firdaus. Amee