Abu Huraira said that the Prophet used to say when prostrating himself, “O God, forgive me all my sins, small and great, first and last, open and secret.”
One night I missed God’s Messenger from the bed, and when I sought him my hand came on the soles of his feet while he was in the act of prostration with them raised, and he was saying, “O God, I seek refuge in Thy good pleasure from Thy anger, and in Thy forgiveness from Thy punishment, and I seek refuge in Thee from Thee.* I cannot reckon Thy praise. Thou art as Thou hast lauded Thyself.”
* This form of words indicates that God alone can give refuge from His wrath.
‘Abdallah b. Malik Ibn Buhaina* said that when the Prophet prostrated himself he spread out his arms so that the whiteness under his armpits was visible.
Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication often.”
