For this reason, seeking forgiveness is prescribed at the conclusion of acts of worship. Allah Most High says:

“And those who seek forgiveness before dawn.”

Some said: “They spent the night in prayer, and when the time before dawn came, they were commanded to seek forgiveness.” An authentic hadith states:

“When the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, finished his prayer, he would seek forgiveness three times and say: ‘O Allah, You are Peace, and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honor.’”

Allah Most High says:

“Then, when you depart from ʿArafāt, remember Allah at the Sacred Monument,”

up to His words:

“And seek Allah’s forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

After His Prophet had conveyed the message, striven for Allah as He deserves, and fulfilled Allah’s commands to a degree attained by no one else, Allah commanded him, saying:

“When Allah’s help and victory come, and you see people entering Allah’s religion in crowds, then glorify your Lord with praise and seek His forgiveness. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.”

For this reason, religion rests upon affirming Allah’s oneness and seeking forgiveness, as Allah Most High says:

“Alif Lām Rā. A Book whose verses have been perfected and then set forth in detail, from One who is All-Wise, All-Aware: ‘Worship none but Allah. Indeed, I am to you from Him a warner and a bearer of good tidings. And seek your Lord’s forgiveness, then turn to Him in repentance; He will grant you good enjoyment’”—to the end of the verse.

Allah Most High says:

“So take a straight course towards Him and seek His forgiveness.”

And Allah Most High says:

“So know that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and seek forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and women.”

For this reason, it is related in a hadith:

“Satan says: ‘I destroyed people through sins, but they destroyed me by saying “There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah” and seeking forgiveness.’”

Jonah said: “There is no god but You; glory be to You!