The ranks of seeking Allah's Forgiveness

The first rank: seeking Allah's Forgiveness by the tongue:

It has many benefits and blessings, one of its blessings is that it leads to seeking Allah's Forgiveness by the heart, and it may be accompanied by the Response of Allah, the Most Generous, the Most Forgiving. And one of its minor benefits and blessings is that it is better than silence, and by it, the slave becomes used to saying good things.

And by doing it continuously, he becomes attracted to doing good deeds, gives up evil deeds and its causes, and hates them.

And he who says by the tongue only: (I seek Allah's Forgiveness), but doesn't repent, if Allah responds to him, his sins will be forgiven, but this is unknown to us, so his repentance is considered not valid.

So, whoever said :(It is the repentance of liars), means that it isn't repentance as some people think, as repentance is not accomplished with insistence, so, seeking Allah's Forgiveness by the tongue even though it is good in general, but it is of minor benefit, and it is usually not accepted, as the Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention, and peace be upon him) said:

 “Know that Allah does not respond to the supplication of an unconscious heart not reflecting on the words of the supplication.”      

Imam An-Nawawi reported that Ar-Rabi’ bin Khuthaim said: “None of you should say: (I seek Allah's Forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance.), for it will be a sin and a lie if he does not do. Nay, he should say: (O Allah! Forgive me, and accept my repentance.)”

Imam An-Nawawi (May Allah have mercy on him) said: “His (Ar-Rabi’) speech is good as regards (O Allah! Forgive me, and accept my repentance.), but I do not agree with him as regards his believing that saying :(I seek Allah's Forgiveness) is blameworthy, and his calling it a lie, as (I seek Allah's Forgiveness) means: (I need His Forgiveness), and there is no lie in this speech.”

The second rank with the near fruits: seeking Allah's Forgiveness by the heart:

It is very effective in purifying the hearts from its impurities, very beneficial, and highly rewarded from Allah. By it, Allah removes the troubles and glooms, sends His Mercies and Blessings, and turns away the evils. 

The third rank with the perfect virtues: seeking Allah's Forgiveness by the heart and tongue:

It reforms the body and the heart, and it is the source of success and good things. Nay, it is the best benefit and the collection of blessings. By it forgiveness and mercies descend, the reward for good deeds is doubled, the bad deeds are expiated, the ranks are raised, and the deeds are blessed. It is the origin of happiness. By it the hearts are refined, complete purification of the sins occur, and calamities are pushed away from all creatures.