The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to say in his prostration: "Allāhumma ighfir li dhambi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa ākhirahu, wa ‘alāniyatahu wa sirrahu (O Allah, forgive me all my sins, the small and the great, the first and the last, the public and the private)

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to supplicate in his prostration saying: (O Allah, forgive me all my sins) by concealing them, and protect me from their consequences by pardoning, overlooking, and forgiving (all my sins), I mean: (the small), little, and slight, (and the great), big, and abundant; (the first) sin (and the last) and what is between them; (the public and the private) that is not known to anyone but You, may You be Exalted.

Lessons

• Ibn al-Qayyim said: The request for forgiveness of minor and major sins, the small and the great, the first and the last, the hidden and the public; this general and comprehensive nature of the supplication is to make the repentance encompassing both the sins the slave is aware of and those he is not aware of.
• It was said: The (small sins) were mentioned before (the great sins) because the supplicant ascends in his request, meaning he progresses upwards. Additionally, major sins often arise from persistence in minor sins and being indifferent to them, as if they are pathways to major sins. Therefore, it is appropriate that the means be mentioned first to affirm and remove them.
• Imploring Allah Almighty and seeking forgiveness for all sins, minor and major.
• An-Nawawi said: This highlights the emphasis in supplication and the use of numerous phrases, even though they convey similar meanings.