Shaddad b. Aus reported God’s messenger as saying that the best manner of asking pardon is to say, “O God, Thou art my Lord. There is no god but Thee. Thou hast created me, and I am Thy servant and hold to Thy covenant and promise as much as I can. I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Thy favour to me, and I acknowledge my sin. Pardon me, for none but Thee pardons sins.” He said that if anyone says it during the day-time with firm belief in it and dies that day before evening, he will be one of those who go to paradise; and if anyone says it during the night with firm belief in it and dies before morning, he will be one of those who go to paradise. Bukhari transmitted it.
Exposition of the Supplication for Pardon
This noble supplication, transmitted in Mishkat al-Masabih 2335, encompasses the fundamental tenets of faith and servitude. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) designated it as the most excellent form of seeking forgiveness, for it combines acknowledgment of Allah's lordship with confession of human imperfection.
Structural Analysis of the Prayer
"O God, Thou art my Lord. There is no god but Thee" - This opening establishes tawhid (divine unity), the foundation of Islamic belief, affirming Allah's exclusive right to worship.
"Thou hast created me, and I am Thy servant" - Here the supplicant acknowledges the creator-creature relationship, affirming complete dependence on Allah.
"I hold to Thy covenant and promise as much as I can" - This demonstrates the balance between striving to fulfill religious obligations while recognizing human limitations.
"I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of what I have done" - The believer seeks protection from the consequences of their own misdeeds, showing awareness of divine justice.
"I acknowledge Thy favour to me, and I acknowledge my sin" - This juxtaposition of divine grace with human transgression creates the proper spiritual attitude for forgiveness.
"Pardon me, for none but Thee pardons sins" - The conclusion reaffirms Allah's unique attribute of forgiveness, completing the cycle of recognition and supplication.
Scholarly Commentary on the Promise
The remarkable promise associated with this supplication - that whoever recites it with firm belief and dies thereafter will enter Paradise - indicates its profound spiritual weight. Classical scholars explain that such firm belief (yaqin) requires: complete conviction in its meaning, sincerity in repentance, and resolution to avoid repeating sins. This combination transforms the supplication from mere words into a transformative spiritual state.
Practical Implementation
The timing specification (daytime/night) teaches Muslims to maintain constant consciousness of death and the afterlife. Scholars recommend reciting this prayer after each prescribed prayer, particularly during the last third of the night when divine response is most assured. The comprehensive nature of this supplication makes it suitable for all circumstances requiring spiritual purification and divine mercy.