Assalamu alaikum, Ustaadh. What is the best way to make du‘a and seek Allah’s forgiveness? Is there a specific structure or practice to follow? Also, what is the ruling on making du‘a/istighfar on behalf of another person, whether they are alive or deceased?

Begin with praise of Allah, then salah upon the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), then ask, and press in the asking and do not grow impatient for the answer. Du'a and istighfar for another Muslim are legislated whether he is living or dead, and the angel says to the one who supplicates for his brother, ameen and for you the like of it, but there is no istighfar for one who died outside Islam.