Riyad as-Salihin, 1843

'Asim Al-Ahwal said:

'Abdullah bin Sarjis (May Allah be pleased with him) said to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): "O Messenger of Allah! May Allah forgive all your sins!" The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "And yours also." 'Asim reported: I asked 'Abdullah: "Did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) seek forgiveness for you?" He replied: "Yes, and for you also." Then he recited the Verse: "Seek forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and the believing women." (47:19) [Muslim].

وعن عاصم الأحول عن عبد الله بن سرجس رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قلت لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ يا رسول الله غفر الله لك، قال‏:‏ ‏

‏ولك‏

‏ قال عاصم‏:‏ فقلت له‏:‏ استغفر لك رضي الله عنه صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ نعم ولك، ثم تلا هذه الآية‏:‏ ‏{‏واستغفر لذنبك، وللمؤمنين والمؤمنات‏}‏ ‏(‏‏(‏محمد‏:‏19‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Book 18, Hadith 36

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadith: 1) People would ask the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to ask forgiveness for them when he was alive. After his death, however, it is impermissible to make such a request from him. But we may only implore Allah Almighty to grant us his intercession. 2) It is a great honor for the believers that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) asked forgiveness for them, as revealed in the Qur’an.