Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness — In the Light of Hadith

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “By Allah! I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.” (Sahih Bukhari)

It is narrated from al-Agharr al-Muzani رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “O people! Turn to Allah in repentance, for indeed I repent to Him one hundred times a day.” (Sahih Muslim)

In the narrations of Sahih Muslim and Sunan al-Nasa’i, the mention of seeking forgiveness one hundred times occurs. Apparently, there seems to be a difference between the two, but in reality there is no contradiction, because the number one hundred includes seventy. Moreover, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was protected from sin, and his seeking forgiveness was an expression of servitude (‘ubudiyyah).

Allah Ta‘ala accepts the repentance of His servant:

It is narrated from ‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When a person acknowledges his sin and then repents, Allah accepts his repentance.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

The door of repentance will be closed after the sun rises from the west:

It is narrated from Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Indeed, Allah extends His Hand at night so that those who sinned during the day may repent, and He extends His Hand during the day so that those who sinned during the night may repent, until the sun rises from the west. When that occurs—i.e., when the Hour approaches—the door of repentance will be closed.” (Sahih Muslim)

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will accept his repentance.” (Sahih Muslim)

Repentance is not accepted at the time of death:

It is narrated from Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Allah accepts the repentance of His servant so long as the soul has not reached the throat.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah)

Indeed, Allah Ta‘ala shows love and mercy toward His servants, and whenever a person repents, He forgives him. Yet people become so absorbed in the attractions of this world and so occupied in earning wealth that they continue postponing the most important matter until tomorrow. That “tomorrow” never comes—rather, the angel of death arrives, and then nothing remains except regret.

We sleep at night without repentance, completely heedless. What guarantee do we have that the sun will rise from the east tomorrow? Dedicate a portion of your valuable time daily to seeking forgiveness; it is among our most precious provisions. Every moment of life that passes never returns, and time continues to slip away. Observe the prayers regularly and encourage others as well. Spread these teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith to as many people as possible—this is the responsibility of every Muslim. May Allah grant guidance to the entire Ummah. Ameen.