Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

If you sinned without knowledge, then you may be excused. However, you need to ask your conscience: Do you believe that you didn’t know that it was a sinful act? You should know that Allah knows the innermost secrets of our hearts and He warns us that no matter how much excuses we may proffer we are accountable for our voluntary actions.

 

Allah says,

 

“Nay, but man shall against himself be an eye-witness, –  even though he may veil himself in excuses.” (Al-Qiyamah 75:14-15)

 

It is essential for us to know that we must seek a basic knowledge of our religion. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim (whether male or female).”

 

So, there is no excuse for anyone to feign ignorance of our essential duties as Muslims. It should not pose a problem in the modern world -given the abundant resources available for those who look for them.

 

Having said this, I would ask you to turn to Allah in repentance. Here is a supplication you may use consistently:

 

Allahumma ighfir lee dhanbee kullahu diqqahu wa jillahu sirrahu wa alaaniyyathau wa awwalahu wa aakhirahu wa maa alimthu minhu wa maa lam a’lam

(O Allah, forgive for me all of my sins: major and minor, secret and public, the first and the last, and that which I am aware of and that which I am not aware.”

 

As for whether you will be punished for your sins if you were in a Muslim country, it all depends on the type of crimes and the due process of law. So, I cannot comment on this.

 

As a Muslim, you should be more worried about the judgment of Allah more than anything else.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.