Parenting Perspective 

As a parent, modelling how to seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty and from your child is one of the most powerful lessons you can teach. It shows your children that humility, accountability, and repentance are not just theoretical concepts, but real practices that shape our daily lives. When you openly ask for forgiveness for your own mistakes, you demonstrate the strength of character and the importance of mending relationships. 

Acknowledge Your Mistakes 

The first step is acknowledging your own mistakes. This may feel vulnerable, but it is a crucial lesson for your child. 

• What to do: Begin by admitting when you have slipped up, whether it is losing your temper or failing to keep a promise. Be clear and straightforward: ‘I made a mistake. I am sorry for what I did, and I will try to do better.’ 

• Why it works: This honesty models the power of reflection and self-awareness, showing your child that it is okay to make mistakes. 

Seek Forgiveness from Allah Almighty 

Next, model how you seek forgiveness from Allah. You might say something like, ‘I have asked Allah to forgive me, and I know He is the most Merciful.’ 

• How to explain: Explain to your child that seeking forgiveness from Allah is a way of cleansing our hearts. You could even make Du’a together, saying, ‘O Allah, forgive us for our mistakes and guide us to do better.’ 

• Why it works: This not only teaches the concept of repentance (Tawbah) but also deepens your child’s connection with Allah. 

Seek Forgiveness from Your Child 

After asking for Allah’s forgiveness, it is important to also model asking for forgiveness from your child. This shows that no one is above making amends. 

• What to do: Acknowledge the specific harm caused, whether it is yelling or being unfair. Use a calm tone and say, ‘I am sorry for how I acted earlier. I hurt your feelings, and I promise to try to be better. Can you forgive me?’ 

• Why it works: This teaches your child the importance of forgiveness in family relationships and shows them that it is not only about seeking forgiveness but also about making changes. 

Reinforce Accountability 

After asking for forgiveness, talk about how you will avoid making the same mistake again. Reinforce the idea that true repentance involves making a conscious effort to change. 

• What to say: Say something like, ‘I am going to work on being more patient, so I do not lose my temper again.’ 

• Why it works: This empowers your child to see that seeking forgiveness is not just about words, but also about sincere action to improve. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Importance of Sincere Repentance 

The noble Quran reminds us that seeking forgiveness is a form of returning to Allah with a sincere heart. Allah Almighty invites us to remember Him when we make mistakes and to seek His forgiveness. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 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), and do not intentionally continue to persist on what (wrong) you have done.‘ 

It is a reminder that no one but Allah can forgive our sins, and He is always ready to forgive those who are sincere. 

The Virtue of Repentance 

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ tell us that making mistakes is part of being human, but what matters most is our willingness to turn to Allah and seek forgiveness. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4251, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.’ 

In the context of family, this hadith emphasizes that we should not shy away from seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged. By modelling this to our children, we teach them that repentance is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength and a path to spiritual growth.