*The Garden of Guidance*
Allah, Almighty and Glorious, said:
“When Allah's succour and the triumph cometh” (110:1)
“And thou seest mankind entering the religion of Allah in troops,” (110:2)
“Then hymn the praises of thy Lord, and seek forgiveness of Him. Lo! He is ever ready to show mercy.” (110:3)
"Indeed, He is Ever-Accepting of Repentance."
On the authority of Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him), the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),
who said:
Whenever the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) finished his prayer, he would ask for forgiveness three times
and say:
"O Allah, You are Peace, and from You comes peace.
Blessed are You, O Owner of Majesty and Honor."
Al-Walid said:
"So I asked al-Awza'i: 'How is the seeking of forgiveness done?'
He said:
'You say: I seek forgiveness from Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah.'"
Narrative by Muslim.
A Point of Benefit:
Monumental deeds and momentous events
are concluded by seeking forgiveness,
just as the greatest victory—the Conquest of Mecca—was sealed
by seeking forgiveness,
and just as the righteous deeds are likewise concluded
—he said—
by seeking forgiveness.
How magnificent then is the seeking of forgiveness, and how exalted is its status,
as it makes up for shortcomings and mends every deficiency!