Regret and prevent after committing a sin

• Link to Repentance:
  • About the past: ask for forgiveness from allah within 6 hours of sinning by making repentance (inside or outside prayer), asking forgiveness if it affected other people, and doing good to balance the scale. Examples of the deeds that expiate sins are:
    • walking to the congregation prayer
    • waiting after prayer for the next one
    • making wudu in difficult situation
    • hajj
    • hijra for his sake
    • gratitude in trials
  • About the future: Plan for future prevention, commit to never doing it again.
• Link to Praying: Perform Nafl repentance prayers (2 rakat) anytime, even after Asr, or integrate the intention into other Nafl prayers, like the 12 daily Sunnah prayers.
• Link to Remembering Death: Ask forgiveness and work on reconciliation to ensure smooth passage through the bridge of Qantara, avoiding delays or reduced rank in Paradise.
• Link to Fear and Hope: Maintain hope in Allah's forgiveness for your past sins to avoid despair and inaction after sinning.

Here are some occasions when you should say Astaghfirullah:

1. After Salah: Recite the Master of Forgiveness Dua to address any deficiencies in prayer.
2. Repentance: Seek forgiveness after committing a sin or entertaining sinful thoughts.
3. At the End of Gatherings: Recite: Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Anta, Astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayk. This helps remove sins from the gathering.
4. After Praise: Reflect on your shortcomings and seek forgiveness to remain humble.
5. To Relieve Stress: Reciting Astaghfirullah can help reduce stress and anxiety.

summary

Repent sins by expressing regret (dua), committing to prevention, and doing good deeds.