Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

The legal obligation is lifted only on those who are not in possession of their senses. So, if you can function normally and make decisions, then you are accountable for your actions. If, however, your ability to make rational choices is impaired –  and determined as such by your physician then you may be excused.

 

However, the fact you feel guilty after sinning shows that you are not excused. Allah says, “Man knows and is a witness against himself – even if he were to proffer excuses.”

 

Therefore, I would urge you not to excuse yourself and be complacent about sins.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A wise person is one who subdues his carnal passions and works for the life after death; a weak person is he who follows his passions and yet vainly hopes for Allah’s forgiveness.”

 

We read in the Qur’an:

 

“Verily, God’s acceptance of repentance relates only to those who do evil out of ignorance and then repent before their time runs out:  and it is they unto whom God will turn again in His mercy – for God is all-knowing, wise;  whereas repentance shall not be accepted from those who do evil deeds until their dying hour and then say,  “Behold, I now repent”; nor from those who die as deniers of the truth: it is these for whom We have readied grievous suffering.” (Qur’an An-Nisaa 4:17-18)

 

Since no one knows when the angel of death would visit us, one should never be complacent about sins.

 

We may also do well to remember that persistence in sins would render our soul sick –  eventually causing its death – thus depriving us of eternal salvation. I pray to Allah to save us from such a wretched state.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.