110 — The Prophet’s Constant Practice of Seeking Forgiveness

The noble Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)—the leader of the messengers, the exemplar of those who affirm Allah’s oneness, and the leader of those whose faces and limbs will shine—frequently sought Allah’s forgiveness and turned to Him in repentance, even though Allah had forgiven his past and future sins. Allah Most High says: “Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph, so that Allah may forgive you for your past and future sins, perfect His favor upon you, and guide you along a straight path.” 1

It is authentically reported from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: “When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed, he would stand until his feet became cracked. I said to him, ‘O Messenger of Allah, why do you do this when Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?’ He replied, ‘O Aisha, should I not then be a grateful servant?’”2

Ibn Kathīr (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “This is one of his unique distinctions (peace and blessings be upon him), in which no one else shares. No authentic hadith concerning the reward of deeds states of anyone else that his past and future sins will be forgiven. This constitutes a tremendous honor for the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). In every aspect of his life, he (peace and blessings be upon him) attained a degree of obedience, righteousness, and steadfastness that no other human being—of earlier or later generations—has ever attained. He is, without qualification, the most perfect of mankind and their master in this world and the Hereafter.”3.