HOW DO MUSLIMS REPENT?

    

Everyone errs and sins. And no, it is not due to the “original sin” or because they have an evil nature. But because they are created with free will and capable of choosing evil as much as choosing goodness. Islam views human nature as inherently good, with an innate tendency toward recognizing and submitting to Allah, known as fitrah. When people commit sins, it is seen as a deviation from this pure state, not an inherent flaw. Islam emphasizes accountability and personal responsibility for one’s actions, which makes the concept of repentance (tawbah) central to the faith. Through sincere repentance, Muslims can return to their original state of purity, reaffirming their bond with Allah and seeking His mercy and forgiveness. So, what does repentance mean in Islam and how so muslims repent?

When people commit sins, they gradually distance themselves from Allah because sin affects not only their actions but also their inner state, including how they think, feel, and perceive the world. Our behavior, speech, and thoughts are a reflection of our spiritual condition, and persistent sinful acts can lead to a hardened or veiled heart. In Islamic teachings, the heart (qalb) is the seat of faith (imaan) and spirituality. It is delicate and influenced by the moral choices a person makes.

When someone indulges in sinful behavior, their heart becomes metaphorically “darkened,” losing the spiritual light that comes from closeness to Allah and living in accordance with His guidance. This is described in the Qur'an:

“But no! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning.” [Qur'an 83:14]

However, this darkness is not permanent. The beauty of Islamic teachings lies in the hope and opportunity for renewal. Through sincere repentance (tawbah), heartfelt prayers, and a commitment to rectify one’s ways, a person can cleanse their heart and reconnect with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) likened this process to polishing a rusty object:

“When a servant commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he forsakes the sin, seeks forgiveness, and repents, his heart will be polished clean. But if he repeats it, the blackness will increase until it overwhelms his heart.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 4244)

The first step is recognizing that one has committed a sin. This requires self-awareness and understanding that certain actions or thoughts go against Allah's commands. Without acknowledging wrongdoing, repentance cannot begin. The heart must feel genuine remorse for having disobeyed Allah. This regret should stem from the understanding that the sin has distanced the person from Allah and damaged their spiritual state.

“O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance.” [Qur'an 66:8]

Then, Muslims ask Allah for forgiveness with humility and sincerity. This can be done through heartfelt prayers (du’a) and by reciting the specific supplications for forgiveness. The verbal repentance can be followed by other acts such as giving almsgiving, fasting etc. Muslims believe they have a direct and personal relationship with Allah, and repentance is an intimate act of communication between the individual and their Creator. Therefore, there is no need for a priest, clergy, or any other intermediary to mediate the process of repentance. They directly pray to God and ask for forgiveness. A critical part of repentance is making a firm intention not to return to the sin. This commitment demonstrates sincerity and a willingness to change.

But how can we be sure that we are gıing to be forgiven by Allah? Repentance and forgiveness of Allah is old as the first sin of Adam and Eve. When Adam and Eve disobeyed Allah by eating from the forbidden tree, they immediately realized their mistake and turned to Allah in repentance. Allah accepted their repentance and forgave them. The Qur'an describes this moment:

“Then Adam received from his Lord words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful.” [Qur'an 2:37]

In the Quran, Allah continuously reassures the believers that they will be forgiven if they repent. Islam is a religion of hope and balance. While it warns against sin, it also encourages believers never to despair of Allah’s mercy. His forgiving nature is expressed by His names and Aattributes. For example, Allah is described as Al-Ghaffar (The Constant Forgiver), the One who continually forgives. This reflects the idea that no matter how many times a person falls into sin, Allah is always ready to forgive if they turn back to Him in repentance. This attribute emphasizes the limitless nature of Allah's forgiveness. Some of His names are Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Ar-Raheem (The Most Compassionate), At-Tawwab (The Ever-Pardoning), and Al-‘Afuww (The Pardoner).

“Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” [Qur'an 39:53]

In conclusion, repentance (tawbah) in Islam is a transformative process through which believers seek forgiveness from Allah by acknowledging their sins, feeling remorse, and committing to avoid repeating the wrongdoing. Allah's attributes of mercy, forgiveness, and compassion assure Muslims that no sin is too great for His forgiveness when repentance is sincere.  Ultimately, repentance is a continuous path to spiritual renewal, offering hope that Allah's forgiveness is always within reach for those who seek it.