Asking for forgiveness in Islam is considered a start of repentance (Taubah). Where repentance from sin is attain only through seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT, all mightily most merciful to His creatures. It is also his turning away from the path of those with whom Allah is angry and those who are astray.
 
There are some things must be in a Muslim mind very clear about forgiveness. The problem with many of us today, is that we don't fear Allah SWT, which means that we don't think twice about disobeying Him and therefore falling into sin. So perhaps we should think about the statement which Ibn Mas'ood RA made saying,
 
"A believer sees his sins as if he were sitting under a mountain which he is afraid may fall on him, whereas the wicked person considers his sins as flies passing over his nose and he just drives them away like this (and he moved his hand over his nose in illustration)."
 
However, many of us may engage in sins and do not seek forgiveness nor repent thinking that Allah SWT might not accept our repentance. Thinking like this is not correct because Allah the most merciful and loving to His creature says,
 
"Say, O my slaves who have transgressed against themselves! despair not for the mercy of Allah SWT, verily Allah SWT forgives all sins. Truly, He is oft forgiving, most merciful." [Az-Zumar:53]

Last Updated: 21/7/2015