Effects of Sincere Repentance
The act of repentance has significant implications for a Muslim, both in this life and the Hereafter. Among these effects are the following:
- Repentance aids the believer in consistently turning back to Allah (Glory Be to Him), steering them away from distractions of worldly life. It acts as a deterrent from committing sins, allowing the repentant individual to focus on personal growth and community betterment, rather than scrutinizing the faults of others. Consequently, the penitent strives to draw closer to their Lord and seek His pleasure, remaining unfazed by the fleeting nature of worldly distractions.
- Through repentance, one gains Allah’s love for His servants, as highlighted in His statement: “Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222). When a person repents, Allah elevates their status and mentions their name among the angels, as narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) in a Hadith reported by Imam Muslim: “When Allah loves a servant, He calls Gabriel, saying: ‘I love so-and-so, so love him.’ Gabriel then loves that person and proclaims in the heavens: ‘Allah loves so-and-so, so love him.’ The inhabitants of the heavens also love him, and acceptance is placed for him on earth.” Therefore, when Allah loves His servant, He supports them, arranges their affairs, grants them satisfaction, and provides sustenance from unexpected sources, leading to acceptance in this world.
- Repentance is a pathway to happiness, serving as a means of success and fulfillment, ultimately leading to the eternal abode that Allah (Exalted and Mighty) has promised His faithful servants.
- The repentant individual becomes acutely aware of their sins and engages earnestly in seeking forgiveness from Allah, often through supplication and tears, leaving little room for worldly distractions.
- Repentance transforms the individual’s state, leading them to a better condition and bringing them closer to Allah (Exalted). As stated in the Quran: “Then Adam received words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, He is the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful.” (Quran 2:37). This transformation involves a complete turn from sins and a sincere commitment to worship and obedience, with a genuine desire to rectify future actions.
- Sincere repentance instills contentment and gratitude in the heart and soul of the servant, leading to appreciation and relief. The truly repentant individual continuously feels a sense of inadequacy in their devotion to Allah and is often humbled by the smallest of blessings bestowed upon them.
Definition of Sincere Repentance
Sincere repentance is defined as a pure act of returning to Allah (Glory Be to Him) without any hesitation, with a firm resolve never to return to a sin or wrongdoing. This entails the servant avoiding any actions that conflict with their repentance, alongside a genuine remorse for past sins that displeased Allah. The concept of sincere repentance is emphasized in several Quranic verses, including: “O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance.” (Quran 66:8).
Status of Repentance
The texts of the Quran and the Sunnah, alongside consensus among scholars, underscore the necessity of hastening to repent immediately after committing a sin. Delaying repentance beyond the appropriate time incurs a greater burden of sin. Repentance is foundational to Islamic law and an integral part of the faith that cannot be omitted. Consequently, it is obligatory to repent from every sin, whether it be a major or minor transgression, and it is recommended for the repentant individual to renew their remorse and commit to refraining from similar sins in the future.