Abu Dawud (760)].
Among them is also the Prophet’s—peace and blessings be upon him—counsel to Muʿadh: “Do not leave, at the end of every prayer, without saying: O Allah, assist me in remembering You, thanking You, and worshipping You properly.” [Recorded by Abu Dawud (1522)].

7 – No single supplication is obligatory, for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Then let him choose from the supplications whatever he likes best.” Even so, the transmitted, well-attested invocations are better than others. Allah knows best.

8 – A person’s wrongdoing falls under one of two headings: either neglecting the duties, or violating the prohibitions—or both together.

9 – His words, “and no one forgives sins except You,” are an interrogative meant as a negation, i.e., that all created beings cannot erase even a single lapse; that power belongs to Allah alone, so forgiveness is sought only from Him, Glorified and Exalted.

10 – “Forgive me and have mercy on me”: forgiveness removes what is disliked, while mercy brings about the desired good.

11 – Ibn al-Mulqin said: “How excellent is this order: he first confessed his sin, then affirmed divine oneness, and only then asked for forgiveness; for confession is closer to pardon, and praising the One petitioned makes the plea more likely to be accepted.”