Tips for Sincere Repentance
Whoever believes they are sinless has already erred, and whoever doubts Allah’s vast mercy has only deepened their sins. The righteous, when they commit a mistake, hasten to sincere repentance, fulfilling its conditions and reinforcing it with good deeds.
“Indeed, good deeds wipe out evil deeds” (Quran 11:114).
Repentance is about regret and transformation. If one sins with their hands, they should extend them in kindness. If they walk toward sin, they should walk toward righteousness. The best practice is sincere repentance.
“O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance” (Quran 66:8).
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent frequently” (Ibn Majah).
Even Adam, the first human, repented after his mistake, and Allah accepted his repentance.
Steps to True Repentance
Acknowledge and stop the sin. One cannot claim to repent while persisting in sin. Scholars say:
“No sin is small if done repeatedly, and no sin is too great if followed by sincere repentance.”
The Prophet ﷺ warned that minor sins accumulate until they destroy a person. To truly repent, one must halt the cycle of sins.
Genuine regret is an essential part of repentance. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized:
“Regret is repentance” (Ibn Majah).
This feeling should motivate efforts to avoid sin in the future.
A firm resolve never to return to the sin is necessary. This is achieved by eliminating triggers. If bad company leads to sin, it must be abandoned. If a place tempts one into wrongdoing, it should be avoided.
Ibn al-Qayyim advises:
“True repentance from a sin is by performing its opposite. If one sins with their tongue, they should recite the Quran. If they harm others with their hands, they should assist the weak. If they waste wealth on haram, they should give in charity.”
Restoring the rights of others is also crucial. If the sin involves harming others, repentance is incomplete without rectifying the harm. Seeking Allah’s forgiveness alone does not erase injustices against people. One must return what was taken or seek the forgiveness of those wronged.
Persistence in repenting, even if one sins again, is necessary. What if one repents but later sins again? The answer is simple: repent again!
Allah assures us:
“Indeed, I am most forgiving to those who repent, believe, and do good, and then remain guided” (Quran 20:82).
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, Allah does not get tired until you get tired” (Al-Bukhari).
No matter how many times we fall, we must continue to rise and seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
Let us take the path of sincere repentance. By acknowledging our sins, feeling regret, resolving not to return to them, restoring the rights of others, and persistently seeking forgiveness, we renew our bond with Allah.
By Imam Jafar Hawa