Are there conditions for seeking forgiveness?

Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) is asking God for forgiveness through any supplicatory wording. God has emphasized its importance and merit in the Holy Qur'an, and its best form is "Sayyid al-Istighfar" (the master of seeking forgiveness). Istighfar is divided into two types: individual istighfar and istighfar coupled with repentance. Some believe that istighfar is an independent act of worship, requiring sincerity, conformity to the Sunnah (definition), consuming lawful earnings, and presence of heart. Others, however, view it as a prerequisite for repentance, requiring abandonment of sin, remorse, determination not to return to it, and restoration of rights.