If somebody commits some major sins and after a long time he/she is deeply ashamed of that and feels uncomfortable, what should he/she do?
When someone feels deep shame and discomfort over having committed major sins, the Qur'an and hadith provide clear guidance on how to seek forgiveness and attain a state of repentance. The first step is sincere repentance, known as "Tawbah."
The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's faults and seeking forgiveness. For instance, in Surah At-Tawba, it mentions: And (there are) others who have acknowledged their faults. They mixed a righteous action with another that was bad. It may be that Allah will relent toward them. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
9:102. This verse indicates that recognizing one's sins and turning back to Allah in repentance is a critical aspect of the process.
Ibn Kathir explains that sincere repentance involves regretting the sin at the moment it occurs, earnestly seeking forgiveness, and making a firm intention not to return to that sin again. He notes that it is essential to detest the sin as one once loved it and to seek forgiveness whenever it is remembered. Furthermore, the ideal form of repentance is not just in words but includes a firm resolve to avoid committing the sin again (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that a person should sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness. He said, A servant commits a sin and may say 'I sinned'... His Lord says: 'My servant knows that I forgive sin and take account of it, so I forgive My servant.'
Sahih al-Bukhari 97:132. This hadith reassures believers that Allah is ready to forgive those who sincerely turn to Him.
In summary, if someone has committed major sins and feels remorse, they should sincerely repent by acknowledging their faults, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and making a strong determination not to return to those sins. This process not only helps in alleviating their discomfort but also brings them closer to Allah's mercy.
Sources
-
9:102 · At-Tawba
9:102 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَءَاخَرُونَ ٱعْتَرَفُوا۟ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ خَلَطُوا۟ عَمَلًۭا صَٰلِحًۭا وَءَاخَرَ سَيِّئًا عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌ
And (there are) others who have acknowledged their faults. They mixed a righteous action with another that was bad. It may be that Allah will relent toward them. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
-
Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 9:102
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 9:102
After Allah Almighty explained the condition of the hypocrites who stayed behind from the expedition out of reluctance, denial, and doubt, He then began to describe the state of the sinful ones who delayed participating in jihad out of laziness and preference for ease, even though they were believers and affirmed the truth. He said: "And others who have acknowledged their sins" — meaning they confessed and admitted their faults among themselves and before their Lord. They also had other good deeds mingled with these sins. These individuals are under Allah’s pardon and forgiveness. Although this verse was revealed concerning specific people, it is general in its application to all sincere sinners who have erred and feel remorse. Mujahid said this verse was revealed about Abu Lubaba when he said to the people of Banu Qurayza, "Indeed, this is slaughter," pointing to his throat. Ibn Abbas said the phrase "And others" was revealed about Abu Lubaba and a group of his companions who had remained behind from the Battle of Tabuk. Some say there were five with him, others say seven, and others say nine. When the Prophet ﷺ returned from the expedition, these men tied themselves with the straps of the mosque and swore that no one could pardon them except the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. When Allah revealed this verse, the Prophet ﷺ pardoned them and forgave them. Al-Bukhari narrated from Samurah ibn Jundab that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "One night two individuals came to me and took me to a city built of gold and silver. We were met by men half of whom were as beautiful as I had ever seen, and half as ugly as I had ever seen. They were commanded to cast themselves into a river. They did so and returned freed from their ugliness, transformed into their best forms. They told me: 'This is the Garden of Eden and this is your dwelling.' Then they said about the people who were mixed with good and evil deeds, that Allah had forgiven them." This succinct narration reflects the explanation of this verse.
-
Sahih al-Bukhari 97:132
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 97, Hadith 132 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A servant commits a sin and may say 'I sinned' or 'I missed' and says: 'My Lord, forgive me.' His Lord, Most Knowing, says: 'My servant knows that I forgive sin and take account of it, so I forgive My servant.' Then he may spend some time and commit another sin or miss another right and say: 'My Lord, I sinned or missed, forgive me.' His Lord says: 'My servant knows that I forgive sin and take account of it, so I forgive My servant.' This repeats three times, so he should do as he wishes.
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →