The Form of Seeking Forgiveness and Its Conditions

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, what is the form of seeking forgiveness? Does seeking forgiveness have specific times? And what are its conditions?

Answer:
The characteristic of seeking forgiveness is that one says, “I seek forgiveness from Allah,” or “O Allah, forgive me,” or something similar. Seeking forgiveness is asking Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) for forgiveness, and it holds great virtue. Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) commanded it; He commanded His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to seek forgiveness, and He commanded the believers to seek forgiveness because they are in need of it. All of you are prone to error, and the best of those who err are the ones who repent. The conditions of repentance and seeking forgiveness are well known to the scholars of knowledge. First, one must abandon the sin; one does not seek forgiveness with his tongue while he has not abandoned the sin. He must abandon the sin from which he is seeking forgiveness. Second, he must resolve not to return to it. If he repents and seeks forgiveness but intends to return to it at another time, then this is a temporary repentance that is not accepted, and this seeking forgiveness is not accepted. Third, he must feel remorse for the sins and evil deeds he has committed; he feels remorse for them and is ashamed before Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,