and holding fast to You for protection from the evil consequences of my failure to fulfill Your commands and prohibitions. For if You do not protect me from its evil, destruction will engulf me, since neglecting Your due is a cause of ruin. I acknowledge before You Your blessing upon me and avow it; and I acknowledge and own my sin, confessing it in utter submission. From You come blessing, kindness, and bounty, while from me come sin and wrongdoing. I therefore ask You to forgive me by erasing my sin and to deliver me from its evil. Indeed, none forgives sins but You. This is why this supplication is the supreme formula for seeking forgiveness.”1

Among the formulas for seeking forgiveness reported from him (peace and blessings be upon him) is that which al-Bukhārī narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): shortly before his death, while his back rested against her, she heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and listened closely as he said: “O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, and join me with the Highest Companion.”2

This indicates that he (peace and blessings be upon him) persistently sought forgiveness at all times and in every circumstance, until the final moments of his noble life—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. Just as he (peace and blessings be upon him) would conclude his righteous deeds—such as prayer, Hajj, the night prayer, and all his gatherings—with seeking forgiveness, he likewise concluded his entire life with it. May Allah grant us the grace to follow his excellent example and adhere to his path. We ask Him, glorified is He, to grant us a good end. He is indeed All-Hearing and Responsive. Our final prayer is: all praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all worlds. May Allah bestow His blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and Companions.

This will be followed, Allah willing, by Part Three, explaining the remembrances associated with the practices of the day and night.