and the affirmation of Allah’s oneness, as well as seeking forgiveness.

Whoever says these words in a gathering: if it was a gathering of idle chatter, they serve as an expiation for it; if it was a gathering devoted to remembering Allah, they serve as a seal upon it. Another hadith also states:

“These words are said after ablution.”

In an authentic hadith recorded by Muslim and others, ʿUqbah narrates from ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Whenever any of you performs ablution thoroughly and then says, ‘I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger,’ all eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him, and he may enter through whichever he wishes.”

Another hadith mentions saying:

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

Several of the early generations are reported to have mentioned words similar to these when explaining the words Adam received from his Lord. Ibn Jarīr narrated from Mujāhid that he said:

“O Allah, there is no god worthy of worship but You. Glory and praise be to You. My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me. You are the best of those who forgive.

“O Allah, there is no god worthy of worship but You. Glory and praise be to You. My Lord, I have wronged myself, so have mercy on me, for You are the best of those who show mercy.

“There is no god worthy of worship but You. Glory and praise be to You. My Lord, I have wronged myself, so accept my repentance. You are indeed the Accepter of Repentance, the Most Merciful.”