The Forgiveness of Allah in Ramadan: A Month of Maghfirah

Ramadan is a month of countless blessings, a time of spiritual renewal, and an opportunity for believers to seek the infinite mercy and forgiveness of Allah. As we enter the second ten days of Ramadan, known as the days of Maghfirah (forgiveness), we are reminded that no sin is too great, and no heart is too distant to be embraced by the mercy of Allah

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"It (Ramadan) is a month whose beginning is mercy, its middle is forgiveness, and its end is freedom from the Fire." (Sunan Ibn Khuzaymah)

The Hope of Forgiveness

One of the greatest obstacles that prevent people from turning to Allah is the feeling of unworthiness. “I’m not good enough.” “I’ll do it later.” These whispers of Shaytan keep us from seeking Allah’s forgiveness. However, Islam teaches us that despair is never an option for the believer. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)

This verse is considered by many scholars to be the most hopeful verse in the Qur’an. If a person sincerely repents, no matter how great their sin, Allah is always ready to forgive.

The Balance Between Fear and Hope

A believer walks through life with both fear and hope, like the two wings of a bird. Fear prevents complacency and sin, while hope ensures that one never gives up on Allah’s mercy. However, there comes a point when fear must be set aside, and one must place complete trust in Allah’s forgiveness.

The Sunnah teaches us that when a person is near death, they should no longer focus on fear, but only on hope. This shift is essential because Allah’s mercy outweighs His wrath:

“I am as My servant thinks of Me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 7405)

Having a good opinion of Allah means knowing with certainty that He is ready to forgive us the moment we sincerely turn to Him.

A Time to Reflect and Repent

Forgiveness in Ramadan is not just about seeking pardon for recent sins. It is a time to reflect on our past—the harsh words spoken to a parent, the moments of heedlessness, the obligations neglected. True Tawbah (repentance) involves regret, seeking forgiveness, and resolving never to return to that sin.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “A believer may commit a sin and repent for it, then commit it again and repent for it seven times in a day.” The companions asked, “Will Allah still forgive him?” He replied, “This is the nature of the believer.” (Musnad Ahmad)

This hadith reassures us that Allah does not tire of forgiving, so long as we do not tire of seeking forgiveness.

The Qur’an: A Source of Mercy

Ramadan is also the month of the Qur’an, and within it lies the ultimate means of seeking forgiveness.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If you want to put out the flames of the Fire, do so with the Qur’an.”

Reading the Qur’an, reflecting on its meanings, and applying its teachings is a pathway to Allah’s mercy.

The Qur’an itself will intercede for its reciter on the Day of Judgment: "Recite the Qur’an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Muslim, 804)

Among its many treasures is Surah Al-Mulk, which the Prophet (ﷺ) recommended reciting every night: “There is a surah in the Qur’an with thirty verses that will intercede for a person until they are forgiven.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

This reminds us that the Qur’an is not just a book of guidance, but also a shield against punishment, a purifier of sins, and a companion in the grave. Making it a habit to recite Surah Al-Mulk before sleeping ensures that we benefit from its intercession and protection.

Establishing a Routine of Seeking Forgiveness

One of the most effective habits we can establish in Ramadan is to seek forgiveness consistently. The Prophet (ﷺ), despite being sinless, sought forgiveness at least seventy times a day. He also taught us to make Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) a part of our daily lives, particularly in the last part of the night: “And in the hours before dawn they were found seeking forgiveness.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:18)

A practical way to develop this habit is to schedule moments of Istighfar throughout the day:

• After each Salah – Follow the Sunnah of saying Astaghfirullah three times.

• Before breaking the fast – A time when du’as are accepted.

• During Tahajjud – The best time to seek Allah’s mercy. Getting up slightly earlier before Suhur to perform Tahajjud ensures that we make the most of this blessed time.

• Before sleeping – An opportunity to seek Allah’s protection and mercy by reciting Surah Al-Mulk, which intercedes for its reciter and safeguards from the punishment of the grave.

• Daily Qur’an Recitation – Engaging with the Qur’an daily, even if just a few verses, ensures that we are consistently connected to Allah’s words, allowing it to transform our hearts and actions.

Forgiving Others and Letting Go

Just as we seek Allah’s forgiveness, we must also extend forgiveness to others. Holding onto grudges and resentment weighs down the heart, preventing us from truly benefitting from Ramadan’s blessings. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Be merciful to others, and you will receive mercy. Forgive others, and Allah will forgive you." (Musnad Ahmad)

A heart free of hatred and ill will is a heart that is ready to receive divine mercy. This Ramadan, let us make a sincere effort to forgive those who have wronged us, release bitterness, and focus on the greater reward with Allah.