Answer
Short Answer:
- Allah is teaching us that nothing in life is constant. Faith will never stay constant. It wavers from time to time. At times one has a very strong faith and sometimes our desires get the best of us.
- Hence, sister, there is no need to feel guilt or even grieve when you make that sin, then stop everything and make a u-turn towards Allah. Allah is our Creator and His love for us, His creation, is ten folds of a mother’s love.
- How can you not turn to Him? How can you despair of His mercy? Never, don’t let go. Allah is there to accept all your mistakes and forgive you. On the condition of your sincerity.
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Walaikumassalam warahmatullah wabarakatahu. Jazakallahu khair for contacting us with your serious question.
Human Weakness and Allah’s Mercy
First and foremost, Allah has said in the Quran that humans have within them weaknesses. It is out of this trait of ours that we humans end up committing sins. Even the best of humans to walk the earth had made errors. Then what about simple laymen?
We may make mistakes left and right, openly and silently. Sister your concern and worry show us that you have much goodness inside of you. Keep seeking Allah and give it your best. It is by God’s infinite mercy that He pardons us over and again. Allah loves His slaves who commit wrong and then turn back to Him. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if you did not commit sin Allah would do away with you and bring people who would commit sin then pray for forgiveness.”
Narrated by Muslim, 2749.
Allah’s forgiveness is vast. At the end of the tunnel, there is still a flicker of hope for a believer, and nothing can extinguish it. Don’t lose confidence in God’s mercy. Anas narrated that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said:
“All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.”
Related by At -Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.
Concept of Sin
Many religions have different aspects and thoughts about sin and forgiveness. Such as in Christianity. The Concept that every Christian is born into sin makes it difficult for that certain individual to do good and be a positive person. From early childhood, Christians believe that they are sinners and that Prophet Jesus died on the cross to compensate for their sins.
Islam, on the contrary, teaches mankind that every individual shall carry their own burden. Which means that all of humanity will be judged upon their own deeds. God is just and it is out of His Justice and Mercy that every single individual will be judged upon his/her own deeds. This concept will help an individual take ownership of his/her actions. A person will have to work hard towards his own salvation.
Having said that, Allah has stressed the importance of staying away from sins. Evil doings such as killing, being disrespectful towards one’s parents, and above all taking partners with Allah are among major sins. One must stay clear of this evil at all times. Allah says,
“if you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden from committing, We will forgive and wipe away from you your [lesser] sins and make you enter a noble entrance Paradise.” (Quran 4:31)
Infinite Forgiveness
Have you ever observed how the moon passes through 28 different phases? Have you noticed the way it waxes and wanes? If you pay particular attention to the new moon stage, the moon disappears and you cannot even see a speck of it. However, is it really gone? No- it’s still there but is hard to see with the naked eye.
Allah is teaching us that nothing in life is constant. Faith will never stay constant. It wavers from time to time. At times one has a very strong faith and sometimes our desires get the best of us. Hence, sister, there is no need to feel guilt or even grieve when you make that sin, then stop everything and make a u-turn towards Allah.
On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah say: Allah the Almighty said:
O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.
It was related by at-Tirmidhi (also by Ahmad ibn Hanbal). Its chain of authorities is sound.
Seeking Pardon
As a parent or a person who has subordinates, when that subordinate or child under your care errors, and comes to ask your pardon, don’t you forgive him/her? Most likely, you will forgive a sincere apology.
Allah is our Creator and His love for us, His creation, is ten folds of a mother’s love. How can you not turn to Him? How can you despair of His mercy? Never, don’t let go. Allah is there to accept all your mistakes and forgive you. On the condition of your sincerity.
There are three conditions for repentance a person must meet. A fourth condition steps in when the sin committed is in regards to another human being. Firstly, when you realize it’s a sin, give it up.
Second, a person must feel remorse within the heart. Third is to make a genuine promise to Allah that he will not repeat the sin.
Fourth, to repay the other person. For instance, if you stole money, then you shall return it back, if you spoke ill of him you should ask pardon from the person.
Acceptance of Repentance
When these conditions are fulfilled by the person who is repenting, then there is hope that his repentance will be accepted, by Allah’s leave. After that, he should not worry about whispers suggesting that his repentance is not accepted. That doubt is from the Shaytaan and is contrary to what Allah and His Messenger have told us. Which is that repentance is accepted if it is sincere.
“Will they not turn with repentance to Allah and ask His forgiveness? For Allah is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Quran 5:74)
As long as you seek the truth with sincerity Allah will guide and protect you. Don’t let the whispers of shaytan hinder you from the correct path.
Life is a struggle for a believer. Somewhere on the path you will fall and have to pick yourself up. You will break down so have the courage to put yourself together. This is the test of a believer. Allah says,
“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Saabiroon (the patient).” (Quran 2:155)
Hang in there, hope this helps.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
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