Returning to Sin after Making Repentance – Shaykh Saaleh Aal Ash Shaykh
The Questioner says: I am a young man who has transgressed against himself greatly (meaning he was very sinful), and I have now followed the path to repentance – and all praise is due to Allaah – however, there are still some aspects of disobedience that entice me, so what is your advice to me and those like me? May Allaah reward you with goodness.
Answer:
And I say to you: May Allaah reward you for drawing near to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic and (for your) repentance and regret of what has passed (of sins), and from your caution from the effects of these sins and disobedience.
And the slave (of Allaah) if he was upon a (particular) state then becomes upright and repents (to Allaah) then indeed very few are those who do not keep some things that they used to do before of sins. But upon him (the questioner – or anyone in this situation) are 3 affairs:
- To attach great importance to his (act of) his drawing near to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and to know that the reward for him being upright is Jannah. And (to know) that by way of sins, he could return to his previous state that he was previously upon.
- To be cautious of sitting with those who used to do those sins with him. Because they will facilitate (the sin) for him and so he could return to them (and their ways) after his repentance and drawing near to Allaah.
- To search for righteous companions of a similar age to him who will aid him upon goodness and will reduce the chances of him returning to those sins. And if what entices him entices him then he makes plenty of Istighfaar (asking Allaah for forgiveness) and he is determined (not to return to it).
“As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allaah’s religion – Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allaah is with the Muhsineen (Good doers).”
And in the narration:
“One who seeks forgiveness from Allaah will not persist (upon a sin) even if he returns to it 70 times.”
So the slave (of Allaah) seeks forgiveness a lot, he knows that he sins so he seeks forgiveness. However, he doesn’t persist upon disobedience because he doesn’t care, rather he seeks forgiveness. Every time he does (the sin) and his soul entices him, he seeks forgiveness from Allaah the Mighty and Majestic. For indeed Allaah is Al Ghafoor (The One who forgives extensively) Ar Raheem (the Bestower of Mercy).
