“O God, forgive me my sin, my ignorance, my extravagance in my affairs, and what Thou knowest better than I do. O God, forgive me my serious and my frivolous sins, my unintentional and my intentional sins, for I am guilty of all that. O God, forgive me my former and my latter sins, what I have kept secret and what I have done openly, and what Thou knowest better than I do. Thou art the Advancer, Thou art the Delayer, and Thou art omnipotent.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Commentary on the Comprehensive Prayer for Forgiveness
This profound supplication from Mishkat al-Masabih (2482) demonstrates the believer's complete submission to Allah's knowledge and mercy. The prayer begins with acknowledging general shortcomings: sins, ignorance, and extravagance in affairs, while affirming Allah's superior knowledge.
Classification of Sins
The prayer systematically categorizes sins to demonstrate thorough repentance: serious and frivolous sins, unintentional and intentional wrongdoings, former and latter sins, and secret and open transgressions.
This comprehensive approach ensures no aspect of human fallibility is omitted from seeking divine forgiveness.
Divine Attributes
The conclusion affirms Allah's absolute power as "the Advancer" (Al-Muqaddim) who elevates whom He wills, "the Delayer" (Al-Mu'akhkhir) who lowers whom He wills, and "the Omnipotent" (Al-Qadir) whose power encompasses all things.
This recognition reinforces that forgiveness ultimately depends on Allah's will and mercy, not human merit alone.