All Prophets Sinned But Jesus
The prayer asking for forgiveness of past and future sins ("O Allah, forgive me my past and future sins, what I did in secret and what I did openly") is an authentic supplication taught by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to his followers
, as recorded in Sahih Muslim. While some interpretations suggest this reflects his humility and need for Allah’s grace, Islamic theology generally teaches that Prophets are protected from major sins and that these supplications highlight the need for continuous repentance.
Contextual Details Regarding the Supplication:
- Authentic Hadith: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say this in his prostration: "Allahum-maghfir li dhanbi kullahu: diqqahu wa jillahu, wa 'awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa alaniyatahu wa sirrahu" (O Allah! Forgive all my sins, the small and the great, first and the last, the open and the secret).
- Purpose: The supplication is understood by scholars not as a confirmation of major transgressions, but as a demonstration of absolute humility, complete dependence on Allah, and a teaching for believers to constantly seek forgiveness.
- Significance: It emphasizes that even the best of creation is dependent on Allah's mercy.
- Repentance: The Quran reinforces that Allah forgives all sins, and believers are encouraged to turn to Him in repentance.
