How to Repent in Islam
The faith of a Muslim may weaken, and he may become overloaded and overwhelmed by his desires. In that case, he may wrong himself (commit sin) and fall into that which Allah forbids.
But Allah is Kind to His creation, and His mercy includes everything. Therefore, whoever feels sorrow for past sins after doing wrong, Allah will accept his feelings of deep sorrow for past sins, for Allah is Forgiving and Kind.
“But whoever feels sorrow for past sin after his crime and does morally right good deeds (by strictly following (orders) Allah), then indeed, Allah will pardon him (accept his feelings of deep sorrow for past sin). Indeed, Allah is Often Forgiving, Most Kind [al-Maidah 5:39 ]
The doors of acceptance are always open.
The gate of feelings of deep sorrow for past sin is open to People until the sun rises from the west. The Predictor of the future (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
It is Allah who spreads out His Hand at night to accept the deep sorrow of those who have committed sins during the day, and it is Allah who spreads out His Hand during the day to accept the deep sorrow of those who have committed sins during the night. (This will continue) until the sun rises from the west.” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 2759)
Conditions of feelings of deep sorrow for past sins in Islam
Honest feelings of deep sorrow for past sin are not only a matter of words spoken on the tongue.
Here are the following conditions
- When someone gives up a sin,
- He regrets the past,
- He’s resolute not to go back to his past sin,
- In cases where his sin involved wrongdoing towards others, he restores their rights and property
- Before he dies, he feels sorrow for past sins.
Allah says in Quran,
“Allah accepts only the feelings of deep sorrow for past sin of those who do evil in (the state of not know) and (silly thinking or behavior) and feel deep sorrow for past sin soon after; Allah forgives them, and He is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Accepting Islam wipes away all past sins.
When a non-Muslim becomes a Muslim, Allah turns his wrong deeds (sayyiat) into good deeds (hasanat) and forgives him all his previous sins,
He says (understanding/ explanation) of the meaning):
“Say to those who have did not believe, if they stop (from shock/not believing), their past will be forgiven.”
[al-Anfal 8:38].
The mercy of Allah
The mercy of Allah includes all things.
So, for example, if a person’s sins are significant and he has wronged himself very much, but he then feels sorrow for past sins, Allah will accept his deep sorrow for past sins and forgive his sins no matter how great they are.
Allah says,
“Say: O ‘Ibadi who have broke (a law) against themselves (by doing/performing evil deeds and sins)! Feelings that there is no hope not of the Mercy of Allah; truly, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Often-Forgiving, Most Kind”
[al-Zumar 39:53].
How To perform Salaat Al-Tawbah
Salaat al-tawbah is a prayer designed for those who wish to grieve over past sins. It consists of two rakahs (according to Shia Muslims) and four rakahs according to Sunni Muslims and must be (did/done/completed) in a prescribed method.
Ignoring the seriousness of the sin committed, the deep sorrow for past sin prayer remains the same. Therefore, the prescribed way of offering Namaz-e-tawbah is as follows:
Niyat For Salatul Tawbah
Before offering Salatul Tawbah, one must make Niyyah. Niyat or Niyyah is the plan/purpose of declaring that one is aware of their sins and honestly wants to update their wrongs by asking (state of mind where you no longer are angry at or want to punish someone) from the all-powerful Allah.
Niyyah
” I pray the sunnah of tawbah for two rak’ahs because of Allah Ta’ala.
FAQs
Will Allah forgive our sins?
Muslims believe that if they are kind and helpful to others and have repented for their sins, Allah will forgive them as he is merciful, forgiving, and compassionate.
What are the benefits of performing Tawbah?
It helps a person lead on a righteous path of faith in Allah.
So what is the DUA to repent in Islam?
Saying: Please forgive me for all my sins, big and small, apparent and hidden (Muslim).
What is the Dua to forgive all sins?
Astaghfir Allah wa atoobu ilayh.
How many times do you say Astaghfirullah?
Follow Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah by doing Tasbih of Astaghfaar at least 100 times daily.
