Friends, in this life, it is not uncommon for us to slip into mistakes and sins. However, Allah SWT always opens the door of repentance for each of His servants. One way to return to Him is through repentance prayer. This article will discuss thoroughly about repentance prayers, ranging from understanding, procedures, prayers recited, to the underlying arguments, as a step towards a clean heart.
Definition & Importance of Taubat Prayer
Repentance prayer is a form of worship that is highly recommended in Islam, as a way to ask for forgiveness for the sins that have been committed. This prayer can be performed at any time when a Muslim realises his mistakes and wants to return to the path that is pleasing to Allah.
Allah SWT says in the Qur’an, that He will accept the repentance of His servants who do wrong then repent sincerely. The virtue of repentance prayer lies not only in the forgiveness of sins, but also as a means of self-introspection and strengthening commitment not to repeat the same mistakes in the future.
One of the verses that encourages Muslims to repent is: ‘And repent ye all unto Allah, O ye who believe, that ye may prosper.’ (QS. An-Nur: 31). From this verse, Allah SWT teaches that repentance is an action that every believer must take to achieve good fortune and salvation.
In the Hadith, the Prophet also said: ‘If a servant sins, then he performs ablution properly, then prays two rak’ahs, then seeks forgiveness from Allah, Allah will forgive him.’ (HR Abu Dawud). This hadith explains how important the repentance prayer is in the life of a Muslim as a means of getting closer to Allah and asking for His forgiveness.
Prayer Procedure for Repentance
The repentance prayer is done with two rak’ahs, which can be done at any time, except at times when it is forbidden to perform sunnah prayers. Here are the steps in performing the repentance prayer:
- Intention of Prayer of Repentance: You should start with the intention in your heart to perform the repentance prayer, asking Allah for forgiveness for the sins you have committed.
- Takbiratul Ihram: Raising both hands while reciting takbir, then starting the first rak’ah by reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah or verse of the Qur’an.
- Rukuk and Sujud: Performing rukuk, i’tidal, prostration, sitting between two prostrations, and the second prostration as in general prayer.
- Final Tashahhud and Salam: After completing two rak’ahs, the Companion recites the final tashahhud, saying salam to end the prayer.
- Prayer of Repentance: After the prayer, it is recommended to offer a prayer of repentance, asking for forgiveness for all sins.
Prayer of repentance
After completing the repentance prayer, there are several prayers that you can say to ask Allah SWT for forgiveness, including:
‘Astaghfirullaahal’adziim, alladzii laa ilaaha illa huwal hayyul qayyuumu wa atuubu ilaiih’
Meaning: ‘I ask Allah, the Exalted, the One for whom there is no God but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining. I repent to Him.’
‘Allaahumma anta rabbii laa ilaaha illaa anta khalaqtanii wa ana’abduka wa ana’alaa “ahdika wa’dika mastatha’tu a’uudzubika min syarri maa shana’tu. abuu ulaka bini’matika ”alayya wa abuu u bidzanbi fahghfirlii fa innahu laa yaghfirudz dzunuuba illaa anta.’
Meaning: ‘My Lord, You are my Lord, none worthy of worship but You, You made me and I am Your servant, and I am in Your provision and promise that You bestowed upon me and I acknowledge my sin, therefore forgive me, for none can forgive but You O my Lord, indeed I seek refuge with You from the evil of what I have done.’
Repentance prayer is a means given by Allah for every servant who wants to return to His path. With sincerity, sincerity in repentance, and performing repentance prayers accompanied by selected prayers, we are invited to purify ourselves from past sins. The evidence confirms the importance of repentance in the life of a Muslim. Let’s take advantage of every opportunity to repent and improve ourselves, may we always be under the protection and grace of Allah SWT.
