Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, Subhanallah, Amma Ba’d.

Assalamualaikum dear readers,

We humans are prone to committing sins. A slip of tongue, a flash of ill intention, a deliberate taunting of someone – all those are but just a small fraction of our daily accumulated sins. Sometimes, we commit even a greater sin or greater sins although we know that Allah is All-Seeing.

However, Allah, being All-Gracious and Oft-Merciful, had created an avenue for us to seek for His forgiveness through Repentance @ Taubah. Therefore, I would love to indulge in explaining a few bits and pieces on this marvelous gift that Allah has bestowed us.

Surah al-Baqarah: 222

They ask thee concerning women’s courses. Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.

The last part of this verse showed that Allah loves those who repent on their sins. That is an encouragement for us to repent and in turn, open a new chapter in our lives for a better and more respectful future.

Surah Yusuf, verse 87:

“O my sons! go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s Soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah’s Soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith.“

Have you heard that Allah only does not forgive the sin of Shirk or Polytheism or Associating Allah, subhanallah wa la sharikalah, with partners? This verse teaches us not to give up hope for Allah’s forgiveness and always try to beseech Allah with unfaltering hope and sincerity. It also warns us that only those who do not truly believe in Allah that despairs of Allah’s forgiving nature. Roughly speaking, just do not belittle the glorious name of Allah – at-Tawwab (The Guide to Repentance), al-Afuw (The Forgiver), al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving), ar-Ra’uf (The Clement i.e. The Lenient) and ar-Rahim (The All-Merciful).

The highest form of Taubah is called Taubah Nasuha and it comes with four conditions:

1. A quick stop and leaving of the sin.

2. A remorseful heart and abhorrence of the sin committed.

3. The repentance is accompanied by a firm resolve that the sin shall never be committed again.

4. The rights of those sinned upon should be returned or their forgiveness sought after if the sin is towards another creation.

Sins can be done to:

1. Ourselves – e.g. self-harm, constant living in ignorance and without a drive to better one’s self

2. Allah – e.g. not praying nor fasting in Ramadhan, neglect of Allah’s rights

3. Other human beings – e.g. robbing, stealing, murder, usury

4. Other creations – e.g. taunting an ant, beating a dog

Prevention is certainly better than cure and hence, i would also like to write a few tips on how to refrain from and give up sins. Our solah if carefully observed and sincerely performed can be a good shield against sins as clarified by Allah in Surah al-Ankabut, verse 45:

Recite that which has been revealed to thee of the Book and keep up prayer. Surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil; and certainly the remembrance of Allah is the greatest (force). And Allah knows what you do.

Besides that, there are many supplications that we can practice to seek Allah’s help for example, the dua’ in Surah al-Baqarah, verse 286:

Allah imposes not on any soul a duty beyond its scope. For it, is that which it earns (of good), and against it that which it works (of evil). Our Lord, punish us not if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not lay on us a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us. Our Lord, impose not on us (afflictions) which we have not the strength to bear. And pardon us! And grant us protection! And have mercy on us! Thou art our Patron, so grant us victory over the disbelieving people.

We can also frequent those who are close to Allah and befriend those who constantly watch over themselves for the fear that they may transgress. Our companions mirror us as some may say. Creating a good environment – biah solehah – is often a very good way to maintain our motivation to change or remain dignified. Motivation can be gained from others if we are down and we ourselves are serving as a fortitude for others around us when we are striving for the better. “Alaykum bil jama’ah” afterall – Upon thee to be in a jama’ah i.e. group that endeavours for the love of Allah.

Moreover, understanding more of the Quran and our religion may purify our hearts and ensemble us with more knowledge and caution in dealing with our lives. Closing our gap with Allah will gives us tranquility and a clearer mind to judge between the good from the bad. Ignorance is a bliss but too much of it will make us an utter fool and idiot.

In conclusion, I pray that Allah guards us from the foolishness of ourselves and enlighten us ever more with His light and shower us with His care and love.

Wallahua’lam bis sowab wa ma’as salamah.