What is the ruling on supplicating with, "O Allah, I have said, done, and believed in invalid things," and is this considered accusing oneself of disbelief (kufr)?
It is permissible to seek intercession with Allah by mentioning one's state and confessing one's errors and sins, as stated in the supplication of Dhul-Nun: "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers," and the supplications of Adam and Moses (peace be upon them), and the supplications of Abu Bakr and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them). Among these is the hadith: "O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none forgives sins except You. So, grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy on me, for You are the Forgiving, the Merciful." And the hadith of Sayyid al-Istighfar (the master of seeking forgiveness): "O Allah, You are my Lord; there is no deity except You. You created me, and I am Your servant, and I am on Your covenant and Your promise as much as I am able. 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 none forgives sins except You." It is permissible for a servant to sincerely confess their sins and errors, and this does not mean accusing themselves of disbelief. One must beware of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and seek refuge from it, and a supplication has been narrated concerning this: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating partners with You while I know, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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