5 Ways To Seek Forgiveness in Islam

We are aware that those who perform an evil deed, they will face consequences and be punished, be it in this world or the hereafter.  However, Allah has provided various avenues for us to attain salvation and seek forgiveness. 

Here are five ways in which one can seek forgiveness for their sins:

1. Tawbah (Repentance)

Tawbah is broader than istighfar (act of seeking forgiveness). It is the act of returning to Allah. For example, the feeling of regret is tawbah. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

التَّائِبُ مِنَ الذَّنْبِ كَمَنْ لاَ ذَنْبَ لَهُ

The one who completely repents from sin, is like one without sins.

[Hadith Narrated by Imam Ibn Majah]

2. Istighfar (Act of seeking forgiveness)

Istighfar is the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah. Our beloved prophet s.a.w. said:

مَا أَصْبَحْتُ غَدَاةً قَطُّ إِلَّا اسْتَغْفَرْتُ اللهَ فِيهَا مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ

I never start a new day but that I seek forgiveness from Allah one hundred times during it.

[Hadith Narrated by Imam An-Nasa’i]

3. Doing good deeds removes sins.

Allah SWT said in Surah Hud:

إِنَّ ٱلْحَسَنَـٰتِ يُذْهِبْنَ ٱلسَّيِّـــَٔاتِ

Surely, good deeds erase bad deeds.

(Hud 11:114)

From this verse we learn that performing good deeds will dissolve away sins. The story behind the revelation of this verse is told in an authentic hadith where a man unlawfully kissed a woman, so he came to the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. to ask about his atonement. For this, Allah SWT revealed the above verse. The man then asked the Prophet if the verse was only for him, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: 

لَكَ وَ لِمَنْ عَمِلَ بِهَا مِنْ أُمَّتِي ‏

For you and for whoever does that among my ummah.

[Hadith Narrated by Imam At-Tirmidhi]

There are many other hadiths that illustrate how good deeds can remove sins, especially those deeds that are specifically associated with the forgiveness of sins. For example, one Ramadan to another Ramadan[7], one umrah to another umrah, doing hajj[8] and even ablution for the mandatory prayers[9] are ways where sins are forgiven. Hence, it is crucial to not merely perform a good deed after committing a sin, but also to focus on consistently engaging in more good deeds.

4. Du’a for forgiveness from others to you.

There are lots of ways one is able to attain the supplications of others. For instance, jenazah prayer, the du’a of a child for his parents after their passing, or maybe someone remembered you in their prayers and they prayed for your goodness. All these can be the means for your sins to be forgiven.

This fourth point may not appear entirely within our control, but we do have some influence over it. How? Through our impact on others. Those who positively change the lives of others will be remembered and prayed for. Those who touch the hearts of others, whose mannerisms people recall, are the ones who leave a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Even though we have no control over who makes du’a for us, we are still able to be a blessing for others and a reason for them to make du’a for us. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

دعوة المرء المسلم لأخيه بظهر الغيب مستجابة

The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered.

[Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim]

This hadith works in both directions. It’s not only about others praying for us, but also about our prayers for them. Ask yourself, what do you stand to lose by making dua for others? In fact, you will gain the prayers of the angels. Each time you make du’a for others without them knowing, the angels will say:

آمِينَ وَلَكَ بِمِثْلٍ

Ameen, may you get the same.

[Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim]

Unfortunately, in today’s world, we often prioritize our own needs and desires, neglecting the teachings of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. We become so absorbed in our own concerns that we forget to pray for our children and family members. How selfish are we to rarely make dua for others, despite knowing that our prayers for them will be answered.

5. Pain and suffering causes sins to be forgiven.

No one desires pain or suffering in life, but if endured, it serves as a preferable means of expiating sins. There are various types of pain and suffering. No one desires pain or suffering in life, but if endured, it serves as a preferable means of expiating sins. There are various types of pain and suffering. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. s.a.w. said:

مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُسْلِمَ مِنْ نَصَبٍ وَلاَ وَصَبٍ وَلاَ هَمٍّ وَلاَ حُزْنٍ وَلاَ أَذًى وَلاَ غَمٍّ حَتَّى الشَّوْكَةِ يُشَاكُهَا، إِلاَّ كَفَّرَ اللهُ بِهَا مِنْ خَطَايَاهُ

No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.

[Hadith Narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari]

The pain referred to here is not limited to physical suffering but also encompasses psychological anguish, which can often be more intense than physical pain. Overall, enduring pain and suffering serves as a means of expiating sins, provided that we remain patient, trust in Allah, and seek His forgiveness with hope and sincerity. The pain referred to here is not limited to physical suffering but also encompasses psychological anguish, which can often be more intense than physical pain. Overall, enduring pain and suffering serves as a means of expiating sins, provided that we remain patient, trust in Allah, and seek His forgiveness with hope and sincerity.

We may not understand the reason why we are placed in such situations and maybe we will never be able to understand it fully. However, we should continue to keep our trust in Allah. Allah SWT will never want difficulty for any of us.[14]

These five methods are just a few among the numerous ways through which you can seek forgiveness from Allah SWT for the sins you have committed. May Allah SWT grant us the strength to always seek His forgiveness to attain success in both worlds.