What is the correct way to seek forgiveness (Istighfar), how many times should it be done daily, and does seeking forgiveness with the intention of achieving something specific contradict Sharia? What are the times when supplications (Du'a) are answered and what are the best supplications a Muslim can make?

Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) is one of the best acts of obedience. It can be performed using any formula, such as: "Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah)" or "Rabbighfir li (My Lord, forgive me)." The best supplication for seeking forgiveness (Sayyid al-Istighfar) is: "O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You. You created me, and I am Your servant. I am abiding by Your covenant and Your promise as much as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your blessings upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me, for indeed, none can forgive sins except You." There is no specific number for seeking forgiveness; rather, increasing it is better, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek forgiveness more than seventy or a hundred times a day. Seeking forgiveness with the intention of fulfilling a worldly need is not harmful. Among the times when supplications are answered are: prostration (sujud), after the prescribed prayers, the last third of the night, between the adhan and the iqamah, the last hour of Friday, the Day of Arafah, Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), and at the time of breaking the fast. One should supplicate for the good of this world and the Hereafter with certainty of being answered. It is preferable to adhere to the comprehensive prophetic supplications, such as the saying: "Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire."