The Wisdom Behind Seeking Forgiveness

Among the distinguishing qualities of the people of Paradise is seeking forgiveness, mainly before dawn, as Allah says: “And those who seek forgiveness before dawn” (Quran 3:17), and He says: “And in the hours before dawn, they would ask forgiveness” (Quran 51:18).

This act of worship is described in Surah Aali-Imran using a nominal form, indicating that their adherence to seeking forgiveness is constant and intrinsic — so much so that it becomes part of their identity. In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, however, it is expressed in the verbal form (present tense), indicating continuity and renewal.

But is merely seeking forgiveness with the tongue at dawn sufficient to guarantee Paradise for a servant? If only that which is understood and consciously present is accepted from prayer, how could merely uttering words of forgiveness before dawn guarantee Paradise?

What, then, is the true significance of this form of seeking forgiveness, so that the path to ultimate success — namely, the pleasure of Allah — becomes clear, as He says: “And the pleasure of Allah is greater” (Quran 9:72)?

Seeking forgiveness before dawn is a sign of sincere turning to Allah, strength of resolve, and purity of worship. The description of the righteous in the verse preceding the one cited above (Quran 3:17) presents them as those who ask for forgiveness: “Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire” (Quran 3:16).

Intense longing in supplication is manifested when the supplicant strives to fulfill the means of acceptance and awaits it through the paths guided by piety. Such a reward is not granted to one who merely utters these words without acting upon them.

Seeking forgiveness before dawn also reflects an understanding of the requirements of the path and a precise comprehension of the meaning of piety — whose peak is a deep and earnest longing in supplication. In fact, forgiveness should be sought after steadfastness has been established, as Allah says: “So remain steadfast to Him and seek His forgiveness” (Quran 41:6).

Steadfastness, then, is the hallmark of active piety, realized after embodying the foundational virtues that form its structure within the self. These are mentioned in the verse (Quran 3:17): “The patient, the truthful, the obedient — with sincere devotion —, those who spend, and those who seek forgiveness before dawn.”

• Patience: the foundation for performing acts of obedience and refraining from sin.

• Truthfulness: the basis of uprightness and the spread of trust within the community.

• Devotion: consistency and excellence in acts of worship — its essence being to fulfill the right of Allah and to honor the self.

• Spending: freedom from attachment to wealth, release from miserliness, elevating brotherhood/sisterhood over personal desire, and fostering solidarity among people.

Then comes seeking forgiveness, embodying the refined conduct of servitude, completing its stages, and serving as a sign of true devotion, recognition of the blessing of faith, and firmness of resolve.

The pre-dawn time is a period of serenity and stillness, when the atmosphere becomes gentle and the soul softens. Sincerity deepens, the sense of nearness increases, and the servant grows in humility and truthfulness in turning to Allah. Rising above worldly distractions, the servant directs his soul to his Lord in the quiet of the universe, privately supplicating to the One who shows mercy and generosity to His servants. “And rely upon the Almighty, the Most Merciful. Who sees you when you stand in prayer, And your movements among those who prostrate” (Quran 26:217–219).

Seeking forgiveness in this station is a purifier, a source of firmness, and a means of elevation in the station of servitude and nearness. It liberates a person from the heaviness of the earth — its distractions, agitations, and desires. In this station, seeking forgiveness represents a lofty rank of servitude, wherein the servant comes to realize that the greatest blessing is that their Lord grants them forgiveness. For the acts of devotion they perform — prayer, charity, fasting, and the like — re themselves a favor bestowed upon them by Allah. Certainty in this gives rise to a deep longing for acceptance, the sign of which is Allah’s forgiveness of His servant.

For this reason, the greatest favor Allah bestowed upon His Messenger (peace be upon him) was forgiveness, as He says: “That Allah may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow” (Quran 48:2).

Reflect also on the supplication of Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them). Despite their awareness of Allah’s favor in choosing them to raise the foundations of the House, their deepest concern was that Allah accept from them and grant them steadfastness upon Islam. Allah says: “Our Lord, accept from us. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing” (Quran 2:127).

Likewise, the aspiration of the godly scholars and devoted servants who fought alongside the prophets was forgiveness — for forgiveness is the mark of acceptance and divine pleasure. Allah says: “And their words were not but that they said: Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses in our affairs, make firm our feet, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people” (Quran 3:147).

Similarly, the people of understanding, after reflecting upon the creation of the heavens and the earth, said: “Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (Quran 3:191).

Thus, seeking forgiveness before dawn is a sign of a station of servitude built upon the pillar of steadfastness — an active consciousness of Allah that moves the entire being and strives to fulfill the requirements and objectives of servitude. It acts as a purifier and cleanser of the soul, refining it so that it becomes worthy of having its deeds accepted and its submission received by its Lord.

This pre-dawn seeking of forgiveness is therefore a sign of attaining the rank of the people of Paradise. But how does a servant reach this station?

Know that seeking forgiveness has four levels:

• First: Seeking forgiveness at the beginning, as Allah says: “Seek forgiveness from your Lord and then repent to Him” (Quran 11:3). This is a condition for entering Islam and for returning to Allah.

  
  

• Second: Seeking forgiveness for steadfastness. Through it, Allah erases sins and accepts good deeds. It includes seeking forgiveness after committing a sin as prompt repentance, and after acts of worship — such as prayer and Hajj. Its role is to establish firmness.

  
  

• Third: Seeking forgiveness for spiritual elevation. This reflects a high station of servitude, as seen in those who seek forgiveness before dawn. The Prophet’s frequent seeking of forgiveness (peace and blessings be upon him) has also been understood as a means of rising in rank, attaining the highest station ever reached by a human being.

  
  

• Fourth: Seeking forgiveness at the end of actions and efforts is a means of purifying deeds and elevating them to Allah. This includes seeking forgiveness after completing acts of worship and other engagements, as well as seeking forgiveness when approaching the meeting with Allah, namely at the time of death. Allah says: “So glorify the praise of your Lord and seek His forgiveness. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance” (Quran 110:3).

  
  

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A man may perform, for a long time, the deeds of the people of Paradise, then his actions are concluded with the deeds of the people of the Fire. And a man may perform, for a long time, the deeds of the people of the Fire, then his actions are concluded with the deeds of the people of Paradise. Indeed, actions are judged by their endings.”

Therefore, seeking forgiveness is a safeguard for steadfastness and, by the will of Allah, a means to a good ending. Its condition is consistency and perseverance, and its sign is seeking forgiveness in the pre-dawn hours.