As it is said 'to err is human', we are liable to indulge in sins and make mistakes throughout our daily routines of life. We are aware of some of these sins and mistakes but we find it hard to avoid them. There are also some mistakes and sins which we commit and of which we are not aware.

Another fact is that the good acts we perform are nullified by some kinds of sins and mistakes which we make. Therefore, the only way to save our good deeds is to ask Allah for forgiveness.

In this regard consideration should be made that no one is liable to attain success and enter Paradise on account of his good deeds, unless Allah bestows His mercy upon him. Because the blessings of Allah and His favors upon us are so numerous that we can never thank Allah or perform the acts of worship to equal them from our side.

So, it is another blessing of Allah upon us that He forgives us our sins if we repent and ask His forgiveness. The more we remember Allah and regret our mistakes and sins, the more we get His mercy and His favors.

In this book the same explanation has been produced which is clear to the understanding of the children. All the parents should consider providing this book to their children so that they may make a habit of asking forgiveness from Allah on a regular basis.

May Allah guide us all and help us stay firm on the path of righteousness.

Abdul Malik Mujahid
General Manager, Darussalam

Table of Contents

1. Allah forgives Mistakes and Sins 10
2. Allah Forgives Sins 11
3. Meaning of Istighfaar 12
4. The Qur'an Encourages Seeking Allah's Forgiveness 14
5. The Benefits and Virtues of Istighfaar 17
6. The Method of Istighfaar 19
7. Conditions of Valid Istighfaar 21
8. Times and Instances When Istighfaar is Encouraged 23
i).Istighfaar during the Prayer 23
ii). Istighfaar after Finishing the Prayer 24
iii). The Best Istighfaar during the Day and by Night 25
iv). Istighfaar on Friday 28
vi). Istighfaar when one Rides on an Animal, or uses Other Means of Transportation 32
vii). Istighfaar after Leaving the Bathroom 33
9. What Do We Say in Reply To Those Who Ask Allah to Forgive Us? 35
10. Saying Istighfaar Before Leaving a Meeting 36