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131 1 Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi his head (like a heavy helmet) in order to protect himself from the harm of spears, swords and so forth. "Forgiveness" means that Allah covers one's faults, removes one's sins 1 and does not punish the person in the Hereafter. One of the most important things that a person can ask of Allahafter asking to be guided to the truthis to ask forgiveness for one's sins and related matters, such as being rescued from the Fire and being entered into Paradise. This is what the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself said that his supplications were all about.2 When one sins and then sincerely turns to Allah seeking His forgiveness, one will find Allah ready to accept his repentance and to forgive him. Allah says, ॄ.;; ( }. /. 4\ / /.. " . Ð/ / :/ }/ 6/. :1ࢆ; t (-} lÑ:: // -/ ') J Al.I ृ Al.II ॅ - • J _.,,.; Aബ) 6.Y ഭif) "And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness from Allah, he will find Allah forgiving and merciful" (al-Nisaa 1 1 0). The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated in a hadith, "A slave committed a sin and said, 'O Lord, I have committed a sin, so forgive me.' The Lord said, 'My slave knows he has a Lord who forgives sins. Therefore, I have forgiven my slave.' Then he committed another sin and said, 'O Lord, I have committed another sin, so forgive me!' His Lord says, 'My slave knows he has a Lord who forgives sins, therefore, I have forgiven him.' And on the third or fourth occurrence Allah says, 'He may do whatever he wishes."' (Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.) As mentioned in the commentary to Hadith # 1 8, the meaning of that hadith is that as long as the person is in that state, Allah will forgive him. If every time he commits a sin he feels remorse and turns to Allah to forgive him, without having the intention to continue performing that sin, Allah, the 1 Al-Bugha and Mistu, p. 356. 2 Recorded by Abu Dawood and others. According to al-Hilaali, it is sahih. See al-Hilaali, Eeqaadh, p. 410. Hadith #42: "O son of Adam, as long as you call on Me . . . " Exalted, will be willing to forgive him. 1 Such is the great forgiveness of Allah and His pleasure with His servants when they seek His forgiveness. Seeking Allah's Forgiveness and Repenting to Allah Everyone commits sins and does wrong. However, Allah is always allowing for the chance to repent and seek Allah's forgiveness.