How to Connect Apology to the Idea of Asking Allah for Forgiveness 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often view the act of apologising as something that happens only between people; a simple ‘I am sorry,’ and the matter is resolved. However, in Islam, our mistakes affect not just our relationships with others but also our relationship with Allah Almighty. Teaching your child that an apology to a person is linked with seeking Allah’s forgiveness helps them to understand that their responsibility is both social and spiritual. 

Explain the Two Dimensions of Forgiveness 

You can explain this concept to your child in a simple way. You might say, “When we hurt someone, we need to say sorry to them to fix their heart. But we also need to ask Allah to forgive us, because Allah is always watching our actions and wants us to be kind.” This shows them that complete forgiveness involves both people and faith. 

Teach That Allah Loves Sincere Repentance 

Reassure your child by explaining, “Allah loves it when we admit our mistakes and try our best to do better. Saying sorry to people is very important, but asking Allah for His forgiveness is what makes our own hearts feel clean and peaceful again.” This encourages your child to seek forgiveness from Allah without feeling any shame. 

Pair Human Apologies with Istighfar 

You can guide your child to say “Astaghfirullah” (I seek Allah’s forgiveness) quietly to themselves after they have offered an apology to someone. This simple practice helps to build a powerful and lasting habit of linking their human relationships with their personal bond with Allah Almighty. 

Model the Connection in Your Own Life 

When you offer an apology for your own mistakes, you can model this connection aloud. You could say, “I have said I am sorry to you, and now I will also ask Allah to forgive me for my mistake.” This clearly demonstrates how the two actions belong together. 

By teaching this vital connection, you help your child to see that an apology is not just a matter of good manners, but is also a profound part of their worship and closeness to Allah Almighty. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that rights are of two kinds: the rights of people (huquq al-‘ibad) and the rights of Allah (huquq Allah). When we hurt another person, we are required to do two things: reconcile with the person we have wronged and turn back to Allah in repentance (tawbah). Linking a human apology to the act of seeking Allah’s forgiveness helps a child to grow in both humility and accountability. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verses 135: 

‘And when those people who have committed immoral actions, or wronged themselves; (they should) remember Allah (Almighty), and then ask for forgiveness for their sins; and who can forgive their sins except Allah (Almighty)…’ 

This verse reminds us that even after we have made a mistake, the act of turning back to Allah with sincerity is what brings us hope and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught about the incredible power of repentance. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4250, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.’ 

This teaches us that sincere repentance has the power to wipe away our sins, making a heartfelt apology and the act of turning to Allah a profound source of spiritual renewal. By connecting these two aspects of apology, you are giving your child a complete spiritual framework for handling their mistakes. They learn that apologising is not just about fixing their relationships with people, but is also about keeping their own heart clean and beloved by Allah.