How can a person associate partners with God (shirk) in something he is unaware of, given that the Messenger (peace be upon him) clarified the types of shirk, and how can a person seek forgiveness for something he is unaware of, when forgiveness requires remorse? Is it only shirk that one might be unaware of, or are sins also included?

A Muslim is commanded to seek forgiveness for sins he is unaware of, which includes: 1. Hidden bad intentions, such as showing off (riya'). 2. What a servant is ignorant of its prohibition and for which he will be held accountable. 3. Forgotten sins.

This is explained by the hadith: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating partners with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know." This is also indicated by the supplications of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, which seek forgiveness for all sins, apparent and hidden, what he knew and what he did not know. Therefore, seeking forgiveness must be comprehensive, covering what the servant knows and what he does not know of his sins, because Allah has enumerated them all.