Since God created man, He has held his heart between two of His fingers, turning it as He wills. This heart, when righteous, leads to the righteousness of the limbs, and when corrupt, leads to the corruption of deeds. With the passage of days and nights, and the hustle and bustle of life, heedlessness accumulates, and desires and doubts cling to the heart, weighing it down and distancing it from divine light.
In the midst of this heedlessness, remembrance and seeking forgiveness remain the lifeline, the sure path to purifying the heart from its impurities and restoring it to its pure nature.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "There is no remedy more beneficial for the heart than the remembrance of Allah Almighty."
In this article, we will deeply reflect on the impact of remembrance and seeking forgiveness in purifying the heart, reviewing evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, the sayings of scholars, and practical advice to help Muslims maintain a connection with their Lord.
Remembrance... The Invocation of the Soul and Purification of the Heart
1. Remembrance in the Legal Balance
Remembrance is the constant connection between the servant and his Lord, and it is the daily nourishment for the soul. Allah says: "So remember Me; I will remember you." (Al-Baqarah: 152). This great divine promise shows that remembrance is not just words spoken, but a living relationship between the Creator and the created.
2. Types of Remembrance and Their Impact on the Heart
General Remembrances (Morning and Evening Remembrances)
These remembrances act as a strong fortress for the heart against the whispers of Satan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever says in the morning and evening: 'Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him' one hundred times, no one will come on the Day of Resurrection with anything better than what he brought, except for someone who said the same or increased upon it." (Narrated by Muslim)
And Abdullah ibn Khabeeb (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me:
"Say: 'Say He is Allah, One,' and the two protectors (Al-Falaq and An-Nas) when you enter the evening and when you enter the morning three times; they will suffice you from everything."
(Narrated by Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhi, and the hadith is rated as good and authentic)
And other remembrances that protect the servant from the evils of the devils of mankind and jinn.
Special Remembrances (Remembrances after Prayer)
The special remembrances recited by a Muslim after performing the obligatory prayers are among the greatest means to establish the impact of prayer in the heart. They connect the servant to his Lord and reinforce the meanings of faith and humility experienced during prayer. Maintaining these remembrances ensures that the heart remains alive with the remembrance of God and renews faith in the soul five times a day, which deepens the Muslim's relationship with his Creator and increases his tranquility and peace. These remembrances are diverse and rich in meanings, including glorification, praise, declaration of faith, and seeking forgiveness, which keeps the heart constantly remembering and humbled before God Almighty, and helps the Muslim to continue his journey towards God with steadfastness and strength. Therefore, continuing with the remembrances after prayer is considered one of the reasons for steadfastness in faith and increased piety in the daily life of a Muslim.
Constant Remembrance (Remembrance of the Heart and Tongue in All Situations)
Constant remembrance, which is done by the heart and tongue in all situations, is one of the greatest acts of worship that elevates the servant's status with his Lord and keeps him in continuous connection with the Creator, Blessed and Exalted. The servant who is keen on remembering God in all his states, whether in secrecy or openly, in ease or hardship, has a heart alive with the light of faith, tranquil with the remembrance of God, and filled with peace and certainty. Over time, the heart becomes accustomed to remembrance until the remembrance of God becomes an integral part of a person's life, never neglected in his movements or stillness, nor in his speech or thoughts. Thus, the Muslim lives in the companionship of God, feeling His closeness and mercy at every moment, which increases his humility and gratitude, and helps him to obey God and remain steadfast on the straight path.
Types of Remembrance and Their Detailed Effects
Mentioning the Names of Allah and His Attributes: Exalting Allah and knowing Him through His beautiful names and supreme attributes generates fear and love for Him, leading to an increase in faith.
Example: Contemplating the name "The Forgiving" instills hope, while reflecting on the name "The Just" generates fear of injustice.
Recitation of the Quran: This is the greatest form of remembrance, as it is the word of Allah revealed, and it is a healing for what is in the hearts.
Allah says:
{And We send down in the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers}
(Surah Al-Isra, verse 82)
Glorification, Praise, and Declaration of Faith: Such as saying "SubhanAllah," "Alhamdulillah," "La ilaha illallah," and "Allahu Akbar." These are light words on the tongue but heavy in the balance, purifying the heart from heedlessness.
Remembrance in Every Situation: While walking, working, sleeping, and being awake. The remembering servant lives with Allah in all his moments.
Seeking Forgiveness: The Purifier of Hearts from Sins
1. Seeking Forgiveness in the Quran and Sunnah
Seeking forgiveness is not just a request for pardon; it is a comprehensive process for purifying the heart and renewing the covenant with God. Allah says: "And seek forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him" (Hud: 3).
2. Types of Seeking Forgiveness and Their Effects
General Seeking Forgiveness
Such as saying: "I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence, and I repent to Him." This works to erase general sins.
Seeking Forgiveness for a Specific Sin
This is when a person seeks forgiveness for a particular sin, which has a significant impact on sincere repentance.
Seeking Forgiveness in the Early Morning Hours
This is one of the best times for seeking forgiveness, as Allah says: "And in the early hours, they seek forgiveness" (Adh-Dhariyat: 18).
And among its effects.
Erasing sins and atoning for misdeeds
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Whoever persists in seeking forgiveness, Allah will provide for him a way out of every hardship, and relief from every worry, and will grant him sustenance from where he does not expect." (Narrated by Abu Dawood).
Removing hardness of the heart
The more a servant engages in seeking forgiveness, the softer his heart becomes, and the barrier that prevents him from the tenderness of faith is removed.
Attracting sustenance and blessings
Allah, the Exalted, said about Noah, peace be upon him:
﴿So I said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord; indeed, He is Forgiving. * He will send rain from the sky upon you in [continuing] showers * And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.'﴾ (Noah: 10-12).
In these noble verses, Allah, through His Prophet Noah, peace be upon him, clarifies that seeking forgiveness is a great cause for the descent of goodness and blessings. The more a servant seeks forgiveness, the more Allah forgives his sins, removes the causes of drought and deprivation from him, and showers him from the treasures of His sustenance. The sky rains down its goodness, and he is blessed with wealth, children, gardens, and rivers. Through seeking forgiveness, not only is forgiveness achieved, but sustenance is attracted and doors of blessings are opened, for sins may be a reason for withholding sustenance. If a servant seeks forgiveness and repents, Allah will open for him blessings from the heavens and the earth.
Remembrance and Its Impact on Human Life
Calmness of the Heart: Remembrance soothes anxiety and extinguishes the fires of worries.
Protection from Satan: The remembering servant is fortified against the whispers of Satan.
Multiplication of Reward: Those who remember and those who remember are promised gardens as wide as the heavens and the earth.
Reviving the Heart: The heart that does not remember God is a dead heart, as the Prophet Peace be upon him said: "The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember his Lord is like the living and the dead." (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
The Virtue of Seeking Forgiveness in the Quran and Sunnah
Seeking forgiveness has been emphasized in the Holy Quran and the prophetic tradition, highlighting its significant impact and importance in the life of a Muslim. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says:
"And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Surah An-Nisa, verse 110).
This noble verse indicates that the door of repentance is open to anyone who has wronged or harmed themselves, and that seeking forgiveness is a sure path to the forgiveness of sins and attaining Allah's vast mercy. What a great blessing from Allah to His servants when He opens for them the door of repentance, no matter how great their sins are!
As for the prophetic tradition, it has been reported from the Prophet Peace be upon him that he said:
"O people, repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness, for I repent to Him a hundred times a day." (Narrated by Muslim).
This honorable hadith illustrates the Prophet's Peace be upon him keen desire — he who is infallible from sins — to frequently repent and seek forgiveness. So how about us, the sinners, whose mistakes and lapses are many? Continuously seeking forgiveness renews faith in the heart, washes away sins, and opens for the servant doors of provision, goodness, and tranquility. Therefore, a Muslim should get accustomed to seeking forgiveness in all situations, feeling his constant need for Allah's mercy and forgiveness.
Types of Seeking Forgiveness
Seeking forgiveness is a great act of worship that varies in degrees according to the state of the heart and the tongue together. Some people limit themselves to seeking forgiveness only with their tongues, by repeating the words of forgiveness without their hearts being present or feeling an internal regret. This type is good and has a reward, God willing, but it has little effect compared to other types of seeking forgiveness, as it lacks a deep feeling of guilt and repentance.
As for seeking forgiveness with regret in the heart, it is higher and better, because its possessor does not suffice with uttering the words but feels an internal brokenness and a sincere sense of error and shortcoming before the greatness of God. This regret makes the seeking of forgiveness more accepted and impactful in the life of a Muslim.
The highest and most esteemed type of seeking forgiveness is that which is accompanied by a sincere determination not to return to the sin. This is the true seeking of forgiveness that meets the conditions of sincere repentance: seeking forgiveness with the tongue, regret in the heart, and a strong resolve to abandon the sin and not return to it. Such seeking of forgiveness, God willing, will be a cause for the erasure of sins and the elevation of ranks, making the servant closer to God, deserving of His pardon and mercy.
Fruits of Seeking Forgiveness
Relief from Distress: The Prophet said: "Whoever persists in seeking forgiveness, Allah will make for him a way out of every worry and a relief from every tight situation, and He will provide for him from where he does not expect." (Narrated by Abu Dawood)
Increase in Provision: As mentioned in the story of Noah (peace be upon him).
Rainfall: A sign of the blessings of seeking forgiveness in the lives of communities.
Purity of the Soul and Attracting the Love of Allah: Because Allah loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves.
The integration of remembrance and seeking forgiveness in purifying the heart
1. Remembrance builds and seeking forgiveness demolishes
Remembrance builds faith in the heart, while seeking forgiveness demolishes the sins that cling to it. They are like a building that requires a strong foundation (through remembrance) and continuous cleaning (through seeking forgiveness).
2. Remembrance is a protection and seeking forgiveness is a remedy
Remembrance protects the heart from falling into sins, while seeking forgiveness treats it if it does fall.
3. Practical examples of their integration
Daily program: Allocate time for remembrance and time for seeking forgiveness.
Linking remembrances with seeking forgiveness: for example, concluding a session of remembrance with seeking forgiveness.
Seeking forgiveness after remembrance: such as saying, "Glory be to Allah and praise Him, Glory be to Allah the Most Great, I seek forgiveness from Allah."
Fruits of Purifying the Heart through Remembrance and Seeking Forgiveness
1. Spiritual Fruits
Proximity to God: For those who remember God, God remembers them.
Purity of Heart: Where worries and distress are removed.
Strength of Faith: Where the servant feels the sweetness of faith.
2. Psychological Fruits
Tranquility and Serenity: The servant feels psychological comfort.
Stability in Adversities: The one who remembers God remains steadfast in hardships.
Joyfulness: Where worries and distress are alleviated.
3. Behavioral Fruits
Good Character: A kind heart produces good morals.
Patience in Acts of Worship: Remembrance helps in being patient.
Distance from Sins: A heart filled with remembrance finds no place for sin.
Obstacles to Remembrance and Seeking Forgiveness and How to Overcome Them
1. Internal Obstacles
Negligence: The greatest enemy of remembrance.
Laziness: One of the biggest barriers.
Lack of awareness of their importance: This requires constant reminders.
2. External Obstacles
Preoccupation with worldly matters: The disease of the age.
Bad companionship: Which distracts from remembrance.
Distraction tools: That occupy one from the remembrance of God.
3. Ways to Overcome Obstacles
Setting fixed times: For remembrance and seeking forgiveness.
Utilizing spare moments: Such as waiting and commuting.
Group participation: In remembrance circles.
Using reminders: Such as alarms and applications.
Practical cases for purifying the heart through remembrance and seeking forgiveness
To start his day with morning remembrances, beginning with the phrase: "I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, and I repent to Him."
During work or while commuting, his tongue should frequently utter: "Glory be to Allah and praise Him, glory be to Allah the Great."
If he makes a mistake or commits a sin, he does not leave his place until he seeks forgiveness from Allah and repents.
Before sleeping, he accounts for himself and ends his day with a hundred acts of seeking forgiveness.
Remembrance and Seeking Forgiveness and Their Impact on Facing Trials
In a time when trials have increased, desires have adorned themselves, and doubts have crowded in, there is no salvation for a servant except for his heart to be attached to Allah, clean from impurities, and radiant with light.
How does remembrance and seeking forgiveness fortify the heart against trials?
Through the remembrance of Allah: the heart remains alert, so it is not tempted by desire, nor overpowered by doubt.
Through seeking forgiveness: the servant rectifies himself if he stumbles and repairs what has been broken of spiritual protective barriers.
Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
"Seeking forgiveness opens for the servant doors of mercy, sustenance, victory, and well-being that he could not even imagine."
Practical tips for consistency in remembrance and seeking forgiveness
Sincere intention: Make your intention for remembrance and seeking forgiveness to purify the heart, not just to repeat words.
Gradual approach: Start with a little and then gradually increase.
Linking remembrance and seeking forgiveness to daily habits: Establish a daily routine that you do not abandon regardless of the circumstances.
Feeling during remembrance: Imagine the greatness of the one you remember, and feel your sins during seeking forgiveness.
Accompanying those who remember: Good companionship helps in maintaining consistency.
The Most Beautiful Phrases of Remembrance and Seeking Forgiveness
Many phrases for remembrance and seeking forgiveness have been reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that carry great meanings, and it is preferable for a believer to preserve them, including:
First: The Most Beautiful Phrases of Remembrance
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Two words that are light on the tongue, heavy in the balance, beloved to the Most Merciful."
"Glory be to Allah and praise Him, Glory be to Allah the Most Great." (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
"There is no deity but Allah alone, He has no partner. To Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs the praise, and He is over all things competent."
Whoever says it one hundred times a day will have protection from the devil, and his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.
"O Allah, make me one who remembers You, one who is grateful to You, one who is in awe of You, one who is obedient to You, one who is humble before You, and to You, a supplicant returning in repentance."
A comprehensive supplication that connects the servant to his Lord in all his conditions.
Second: The Most Beautiful Forms of Seeking Forgiveness
The Master of Seeking Forgiveness
The Prophet Peace be upon him said:
"O Allah, You are my Lord; there is no deity but You. You created me, and I am Your servant, and I am on Your covenant and promise as much as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me, for none forgives sins except You."
(Narrated by Al-Bukhari)
Whoever says it during the day, fully believing in it, and dies before the evening, will enter Paradise. And whoever says it at night, fully believing in it, and dies before the morning, will enter Paradise.
"I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, whom there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, and I turn to Him in repentance."
By this, Allah forgives sins by His permission, and it is one of the best concise forms of seeking forgiveness.
Collective seeking forgiveness at the end of the night:
As Allah, the Exalted, described them by saying:
{And in the early hours of the morning, they seek forgiveness}
(Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Verse 18)
It is a blessed hour in which the response is hoped for.
The ultimate goal of the believer is to meet their Lord with a sound heart, as He, the Exalted, said: "On the Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit, except for one who comes to Allah with a sound heart" (Ash-Shu'ara: 88-89). This sound heart can only be achieved through remembrance and seeking forgiveness.
Let us strive to purify our hearts with these two great weapons, and make them a permanent way of life, for through them true happiness and salvation in this world and the Hereafter are realized.
🔹 Discussion Questions:
What experiences have you had with remembrance and seeking forgiveness?
How have you managed to overcome obstacles to remembrance?
What remembrances do you feel have made a change in your life?
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