The Excellence of Seeking Forgiveness

This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (6307) demonstrates the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) continuous devotion to seeking Allah's forgiveness, despite his infallibility from major sins. His example teaches us the importance of constant repentance and spiritual purification.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Qurtubi explains that the Prophet's frequent istighfar was not for committed sins, but rather: to elevate his spiritual station, to teach his ummah the importance of repentance, and to express gratitude for Allah's continuous blessings.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that "more than seventy times" indicates abundance rather than a specific number, emphasizing the constant nature of this practice throughout the day and night.

Practical Application

This teaching encourages believers to make istighfar a regular practice in their daily lives. Scholars recommend specific times for seeking forgiveness: after prayers, before sleeping, and during the last third of the night.

The most comprehensive form of istighfar is: "Astaghfirullah al-'Adheem alladhi la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyumu wa atubu ilayh" (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Magnificent, besides Whom there is no deity, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, and I repent to Him).