In a Muslim’s life, repentance is a very important concept to understand and a necessary action to take. We know we all have our shortcomings, but what is important is returning to Allah when we commit a transgression.
According to the Islamic scripture, the Quran, those who believe that they have committed any sin or wrongdoing against Allah’s instructions can sincerely repent from their mistake and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
Meaning of Repentance (Tawbah):
Tawbah (Repentance) is repenting from sin, promising Allah not to repeat this sin, and returning to Him alone.
Repentance is the beginning of a person’s life who intends to walk on the path of religion. It is the first step in discipline, the key to guidance to a straight path, and the weapon of purification.
Tawbah is the first step of discipline, the key to guidance on the straight path, and the means of purification for those who wish to be closer to Allah.
Stages of Repentance
- Feeling sincere remorse and regret
- Fear when remembering past sins
- Eradicate injustice and promote justice and rights
- Reviewing responsibilities and performing obligations previously neglected
- Reforming oneself by removing spiritual defects caused by deviation and sins
- Regretting and lamenting the times when one did not mention or remember Allah, or thank Him and reflect on His works
If one does not feel remorse, regret, and disgust for sin committed, whether great or small; if one is not fearful or apprehensive of falling back into sin at any time; and if one does not take shelter in sincere servanthood to Allah to be freed from deviation and sins into which one has fallen by moving away from God, any resulting repentance will not hold sincerity within.
What is a Sin?
Islam teaches that sin is an avoidable act that harms the perpetrator’s soul. This means that no innate or inherited nature prompts a person to disobey God.
That is to say, it is a person’s free choice whether to sin or not. One’s disposition to sin is only as much as, if not less than, their inclination to do good.
What are the Major Sins?
Islamically, some sins are extremely serious and weigh more than others. These are known as Major Sins. Some scholars view Major Sins as grave and consequential transgressions in this world or the Hereafter. Here are some examples mentioned in the Quran:
- Polytheism (Shirk) – It is the act of associating Allah with others in divinity. This is the only sin that Allah considers unforgivable (if one dies upon it), as it violates the primary tenet of Islam, which is a pure monotheistic belief in God.
- Black Magic or Witchcraft
- Murder
- Devouring orphan’s wealth
- Consuming Riba
- Turning your back to your enemy and fleeing the battlefield
- Slandering chaste women by blaming and throwing false accusations on them
Repentance from Major Sins:
We can use the four ‘R’s method to make this easy to remember:
Remorse, repent, resolve, and repair.
- Remorse: Feeling guilty is a sign of faith in your heart. Make a good deed with regret and remorse towards Allah.
- Repent sincerely by verbalizing ‘astaghfirullah,’ which means, “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”
- Resolve to never sin again.
- Repair: If the sin involved wronging someone, make reparations by seeking their forgiveness and recompensating them if possible.
What are the Minor Sins?
Sins that weigh less are known as Minor Sins; not because they are insignificant, but rather because they are not specifically mentioned in the Quran as demanding legal punishment or mentioned with stern warnings.
These so-called “minor sins” are sometimes overlooked. People may engage in them to the extent that it becomes part of their lifestyle. Examples include backbiting and bullying.
One who recognizes that he or she is sinning, even if it is a minor one, must strive to be better. Being able to recognize the problem and feel remorse is indeed a blessing from Allah (SWT) Hence, one should reciprocate by vowing not to repeat the same mistakes and by seeking Allah’s forgiveness as well.
Repentance from Major Sins:
Good deeds wipe away minor sins, as Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning) “And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember” [Quran, 11:114].
It is from the immense mercy of Allah that minor sins are forgiven readily through practically every good deed and act of worship, like giving in charity, reading the Quran, or praying tahajjud.
So, if you’ve ever wondered if Allah (SWT) will forgive your sin, know that the door to repentance is always open. Quickly seek Allah’s forgiveness and stop doing the bad deed and follow it up with a good one.
As believers who sincerely care about Allah and the Hereafter, we must do our best to avoid both Major and Minor sins.
Importance of Repentance in Islam:
- Get Allah’s (SWT) mercy
- A form of obedience to Allah (SWT)
- Get His forgiveness and His blessings
- Our good deeds will be accepted by Allah (SWT)
- Replace badness with goodness
- Purify the heart
- A way to enter Heaven
- Prevent punishment and torment
- abundance in Rizq
- Get big rewards
Allah (SWT) reminds all His sinful slaves that no matter what sins they have fallen into, Allah can still forgive them. The Quran was sent as a book of hope for humanity.
Allah created each of us as weak sinners. He knows every human will make mistakes. Some will make bigger mistakes than others. Some may even fall into major sins.