Repentance in Islam

Repentance, known as “Tawba,” in Arabic, is the act of acknowledging one’s sins, feeling remorseful for them, and

seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Repentance or “Tawba” is a privilege given to the children of Adam; to

start a new and clean start with the relationship of God (SWT). Repentance is considered a fundamental aspect of

the Islamic faith, as it allows individuals to seek forgiveness and strive for spiritual purification.

Conditions for Tawba or Repentance in Islam

Repentance in Islam is highly encouraged and considered a means of attaining Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

Allah (SWT) some of His names are “Ar-Rahman” “All-Forgiving”, “Ar-Raheem” and “All-Merciful”. Allah is

forgiving and compassionate, ready to accept the sincere repentance of His servants.

Repentance in Islam is necessary, and Muslims are encouraged to turn to Allah in repentance regularly,

acknowledging their mistakes and seeking forgiveness to maintain a strong relationship with their Creator and

strive for spiritual purity.

To make Tawba (Repentance) in Islam We Should:

Recognizing and acknowledging the sin is a type of tawba: Acknowledging the wrongdoing and recognizing it as a

sin. Muslims are encouraged to be self-reflective and aware of their actions, understanding the consequences of

their sins.

“O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance, so your Lord may absolve you of your sins and admit you into

Gardens, under which rivers flow, on the Day Allah will not disgrace the Prophet or the believers with him. Their

light will shine ahead of them and on their right. They will say, “Our Lord! Perfect our light for us, and forgive us.

˹For˺ You are truly Most Capable of everything.”

Surah At-Tahreem:8

1- Feeling regret: Genuine repentance requires feeling remorseful and regretful for committing the sin in front of

Allah. This remorse stems from recognizing the disobedience to Allah’s commands and the harm caused by the

sinful action. Fearing Allah’s punishment and his anger.

2- Stop sins immediately! Repentance in Islam involves a commitment to stop engaging in sinful behavior

immediately. It requires a sincere intention to change one’s ways and avoid repeating the same sin in the future.

The intention of not committing the same mistakes is very important.

3- Seeking forgiveness and “Tawba” from Allah: Muslims believe that only Allah has the power to forgive sins.

Allah likes us to make “Tawba”.

There is a Hadith of the prophet (PBUH) talks about what happens if the person makes “Tawba”:

“Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His

servant when he turns penitently towards Him than one of you would be on finding the lost camel.

Surah At-Tawbah (Repentance)  is a great Chapter in the Holy Quran

Surah “At-Tawbah”, also known as Surah “At-Tawbah”, which has the same word meaning “Repentance” is the

ninth chapter of the Holy Quran. It is one of the longer chapters and consists of 129 verses. Surah “At-Tawbah”

addresses various themes, including the concept of repentance, the importance of upholding treaties, and the

consequences of disbelief and hypocrisy. It also discusses the Battle of Tabuk and the Prophet Muhammad’s

interactions with different groups of people during that time. Surah “At-Tawbah” is considered a significant

chapter in Islamic teachings, and it is very important to seek an understanding of every line in the surah.

Committing Sin in Islam

Sin refers to any action, word, or thought that goes against the commands of Allah (SWT). It is considered a

transgression and disobedience to the Divine laws and moral principles set forth in the Quran and the teachings of

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of avoiding sin and striving to lead a

righteous and virtuous life. Muslims believe that makingsins can have negative consequences both in this world

and in the hereafter.

Types of Sin According to Islam Religion

Major and Minor Sins

In Islam, sins are categorized into major (Kabeerah) and minor (Sagheerah) sins. Major sins are considered more

severe in their consequences and require repentance and seeking forgiveness. Examples of major sins include

associating partners with Allah (shirk), murder, adultery, theft, and consuming intoxicants.

 

Minor sins are lesser offenses and can be expiated through acts of worship and good deeds.

Examples of Minor Sins that Need “Istighfar”.

It is important to note that while these actions are considered minor sins, it is still recommended to avoid them

and strive for righteousness in all aspects of life. Remember that persisting on Minor sins is considered Major!

Seeking forgiveness and “Istighfar” and making a sincere effort to improve oneself is required in the Muslim’s life.

Examples of minor sins that are required istighfar are like: Neglecting the Sunnah prayers (optional prayers).

Being careless with the use of time.

Speaking without proper knowledge or spreading rumors.

Being wasteful or extravagant in spending.

Neglecting to fulfill minor obligations, such as returning borrowed items promptly.

Being impatient or showing anger unnecessarily.

Neglecting giving charity regularly.

Engaging in excessive joking or mocking others.

Neglecting to seek knowledge about Islam.

Being neglectful in fulfilling the rights of others, such as parents, neighbors, or spouses.

Committing Sins and Accountability in the Day of Judgment

Muslims believe that every individual is accountable for their actions and will be held responsible on the Day of

Judgment. Allah is considered the ultimate judge, and each person’s deeds will be weighed to determine their fate

in the hereafter.

Islam teaches that human beings have been endowed with free will, enabling them to make choices and decisions.

As a result, individuals are responsible for their actions and bear the consequences of their choices, including

committing sins. Each person is accountable for their deeds, intentions, and the impact of their actions.

Muslims believe that every action, whether good or bad, is recorded by angels appointed by Allah. Allah says in

the Holy Quran: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil

will see it.” Angels meticulously document every intention, word, and deed throughout a person’s life. These

records will be presented on the Day of Judgment as a testimony of an individual’s actions.

Judgment Day (Yawm al-Qiyamah) is the day when all human beings will be resurrected and gathered before

Allah. On this day, each person will be held accountable for their deeds and will face the consequences of their

actions in accordance with Allah’s justice.

Conclusion

Muslims are encouraged to stop committing sins as an “Obedience to Allah”. Committing sins can lead to spiritual

and moral decay. Engaging in sinful behavior can tarnish the purity of the soul and distance individuals from their

true nature. By avoiding sins, Allah will maintain the integrity of our souls, promoting inner peace and spiritual

well-being.

May Allah Forgive us!