Thus, whoever follows his desires without guidance from Allah shares in the condition of one who takes his own desire as his god. He thereby harbours an element of associating partners with Allah that prevents him from seeking forgiveness. As for whoever truly affirms Allah’s oneness and seeks His forgiveness, evil will certainly be removed from him. This is why Jonah said:

“There is no god but You. Glory be to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.”

This is also why Allah links monotheism with seeking forgiveness in several places, as in His words, Most High:

“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.”

And His words:

“Worship none but Allah. Indeed, I am a warner and bearer of good tidings to you from Him.”

“And seek your Lord’s forgiveness, then repent to Him.”

And His words:

“And to ‘Ād We sent their brother Hūd. He said, ‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity worthy of worship except Him.’”

Further on, He says:

“And, O my people, seek your Lord’s forgiveness, then repent to Him.”

And His words:

“So be steadfast in your devotion to Him and seek His forgiveness.”

The supplication for concluding a gathering is:

“Glory and praise be to You, O Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You.”

If it is a gathering of mercy, this serves as a seal upon it; if it is a gathering of idle talk, it serves as an expiation for it. It has also been narrated that this supplication is recited at the end of ablution, after saying:

“I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O Allah, make me among those who constantly repent, and make me among those who purify themselves.”

This remembrance includes monotheism and seeking forgiveness, for it begins with the two testimonies of faith