likewise, Allah has praised those who seek His pardon in many verses, among them His words: “and those who seek forgiveness before dawn.” They are the ones who ask Allah for forgiveness at the end of the night. The scholars explain that they engage in night prayer and worship, yet still see themselves as falling short, so they plead for His pardon. In spite of their strenuous effort—standing in prayer through the night—they continue to seek forgiveness out of fear of deficiency. For that reason, a person should make abundant istighfar.

1869 – Al-Agharr al-Muzani (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “A covering comes over my heart, and indeed I seek Allah’s forgiveness one hundred times a day.” Related by Muslim.

1870 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, “By Allah, I seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times each day.” Narrated by al-Bukhari.

1871 – The same Companion also reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “By Him in whose hand my soul rests, were you not to commit sins, Allah would remove you and bring a people who would commit sins, then seek Allah’s forgiveness, and He would forgive them.” Related by Muslim.

1872 – Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) said, “We used to count for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ …”