The first rank: seeking Allâh's Forgiveness by the tongue
The first rank: seeking Allâh's Forgiveness by the tongue:
It has many benefits and blessings, one of its blessings is that it leads to seeking Allâh's Forgiveness by the heart, and it may be accompanied by the Response of Allâh, the Most Generous, the Most Forgiving. And one of its minor benefits and blessings is that it is better than silence, and by it, the slave becomes used to saying good things.
And by doing it continuously, he becomes attracted to doing good deeds, gives up evil deeds and its causes, and hates them.
And he who says by the tongue only:(I seek Allâh's Forgiveness), but doesn't repent, if Allâh responds to him, his sins will be forgiven, but this is unknown to us, so his repentance is considered not valid.
So, whoever said :(It is the repentance of liars), means that it isn't repentance as some people think, as repentance is not accomplished with insistence, so, seeking Allâh's Forgiveness by the tongue even though it is good in general, but it is of minor benefit, and it is usually not accepted, as the Prophet (May Allâh exalt his mention, and peace be upon him) said:
اعلموا أن الله لا يستجيب دعاءً من قلب غافل لاه
“Know that Allâh doesnot respond to the supplication of an unconscious heart not reflecting on the words of the supplication.”
Imam An-Nawawi reported that Ar-Rabi’ bin Khuthaim said: “None of you should say: (I seek Allâh's Forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance.), for it will be a sin and a lie if he doesnot do. Nay, he should say :(O Allâh! Forgive me, and accept my repentance.)”
Imam An-Nawawi (May Allâh have mercy on him) said: “His (Ar-Rabi’) speech is good as regards (O Allâh! Forgive me, and accept my repentance.), but I donot agree with him as regards his believing that saying :(I seek Allâh's Forgiveness) is blameworthy, and his calling it a lie, as (I seek Allâh's Forgiveness) means:(I need His Forgiveness), and there is no lie in this speech.”
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