Message From the Imam: Relief For Those Who Repent
One of the companions of the Prophet (S) known for his astute intellect, Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (R) was reported to have once said that the verse in the Qur'an which brings the most relief is, “Say: Oh my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah. For Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”(39:53)
It is not a surprise that the son of Adam is not infallible. In fact, he is forgetful by nature. Prophet Muhammad (S) related that Allah (SWT) said, “Oh my servants, you commit error night and day and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness and I shall forgive you.”(Muslim). These words are glad tidings to every human. This world is filled with tests aimed at distinguishing between those who sin and repent and those who sin and fail to repent. Allah (SWT) says: “Truly Allah loves those who turn to Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.”( 2:222). Through this process of re-evaluation and purification we are able to rectify our souls and find relief in the Hereafter.
So, how does a Muslim repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness? There are a few conditions: Firstly, once you repent, you must have hope in Allah. As Prophet Muhammad (S) once stated, Allah (SWT) said, “I am as My servant expects Me to be.” (Buhkari). Only if we sincerely turn to Allah and believe that He will bestow His mercy upon us will He forgive our sins.
Secondly, we must be sincere in our repentance. Allah knows our inner thoughts and secrets. He knows whether we are true to Him or not. Allah (SWT) describes His closeness to His servants:
“Your Lord knows best what is in yourselves. If 
you are righteous, He isEver-Forgiving to the remorseful.” (17:25). Sincere repentance entails will and effort to never again resort to the same sin.
Finally, we must have a feeling of regret. In fact, the Prophet (S) said, “Regret is repentance.”(Tabarani). If we deeply regret our sins, it is always possible to make up for them by asking and hoping for Allah’s forgiveness. However it must be done during this worldly life. After death, there is not a single opportunity to repent for our mistakes and sins. Allah (SWT) describes the wasted regret of those for whom it is too late to repent in the Quran, “And follow the best teaching sent down to you from your Lord, before the punishment overtakes you suddenly when you least expect it, and your soul says, ‘Woe unto me for having neglected what is due to Allah, having been one of those who mocked.’ Or it says, ‘If Allah had guided me, I would have been with the righteous.’ Or when faced by punishment, it says, ‘If only I could have another chance, I would join those who do good deeds.’ No indeed! My evidences were revealed to you, but you rejected them, you were arrogant, and rejected the truth.” [39:55-59]
My brothers and sisters, we do not have a moment to lose. We are incapable of foreseeing when death will confront us. We are oblivious to its date, hour, and place, but inevitably, we will all face death and account for our deeds in the presence of Allah.
Those who seek relief must repent and make a commitment to live to earn the good pleasure of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (S) advised us to seek forgiveness from Allah throughout the day by his saying, “By Allah, I seek the pardon of Allah and return repentant to Him, everyday more than seventy times.” (Bukhari). He (S) also said: “Fear Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed – it will wipe it out, and behave well towards others. (Tirmidhi).
Let us all take refuge in Allah, Who is Al-Ghaffar (The All-Forgiving), Al-Halim (The Forbearing One), and At-Tawwab (The Acceptor of repentance). Without doubt, Allah will give the reward to those who persevere and turn often to Him. He will certainly forgive His servants who have faith, and He will reward their good deeds according to the best of what they do. Allah promises in the Quran, “What is with you must vanish and what is with Allah will endure. And We will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions. Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of what they did.” (16:96-97).