What is the ruling on seeking forgiveness by saying: "I seek forgiveness from Allah for every sin that stands between me and the Quran, or its contemplation," before reciting the Quran, or "I seek forgiveness from Allah for everything, or every sin that stands between me and devotion," before saying the Takbir for prayer with the intention of devotion? And is this an innovation?

The Shari'ah does not mandate an obligation to seek forgiveness (Istighfar) before reciting the Qur'an or praying with the intention of contemplation or devotion. Adhering to such a practice without a mandate from the Shari'ah is considered an innovation (bid'ah); as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it is to be rejected." And "Whoever performs a deed that is not in accordance with our matter, it is to be rejected."