Every night before going to sleep, do the following two deeds for a few minutes:
1. Taubah and Istighfaar: Say to Allah Ta’ala;
“O Allah! Forgive all my sins those that I committed knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or unintentionally. Those sins that I committed with my eyes, ears, tongue, heart, mind and limbs. O Allah! Forgive all my sins through Your Kindness and Mercy.”
One should not cover up and make excuses for one’s wrongs and try to prove one’s innocence. Similarly, if we hurt anyone in any way then we should make an effort to correct our wrongs and make dua for the person that we have hurt.
2. Shukar to Allah Ta’ala:
“O Allah! I am very grateful and thankful to You for all the favours that You have bestowed upon me. O Allah! Whatever I have and whatever I am enjoying is only through Your grace upon me. My Imaan, my health, my wealth, my home, my clothing, my children, my respect and honour are only some of the many favours that You have blessed me with. O Allah! I am deeply grateful and appreciative for all these favours. I can never make enough shukar to you for all these favours.”
If we have to pass away in that condition after making taubah and shukar it will be such a wonderful way to leave this world and if we wake up the next morning, we will insha Allah awaken happily in good spirits. But if we go to sleep without thanking Allah Ta’ala for His favours upon us and asking forgiveness for our shortcomings, we could wake up sad and depressed.
(Madrasah Taleemudeen, Abnaa-e-Qadeem Newsletter, issue #2)