Question
I am a man whose heart is burdened by the weight of ar-raan (stains that cover the heart due to repeated sins), and I have spiraled into sins.
I have tried to repent with sincere repentance many times, but to no avail. As a result, my will has weakened and my life has become miserable. Although I am consistent with my five daily prayers, I pray without khushuu‘ (tranquility and reverence).
So how would you advise me—may Allah reward you—to get out of this darkness?
Response by Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Aziz ibn Baz (رحمه الله)
You must not lose hope, my brother. You must always try to repent, always turn back to Allah, act righteously, and abandon what Allah has forbidden. This is what you must do—always, always, always.
Anyone who repents to Allah, even if he returns to sin a thousand times, then repents again—Allah will forgive him. You must be sincere and optimistic.
Allah ﷻ says:
قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves! Do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. He is truly the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
(Surah az-Zumar 39:53)
The scholars have said that this verse is for those who repent, and there is consensus among the scholars that it applies to those who turn back to Allah.
So do not despair, my brother. Praise Allah who made you feel pain over this matter and made you sense the danger you are in—this is among Allah’s blessings upon you.
Some people commit sins and do not feel any danger at all. This is a great trial, and I seek refuge with Allah. They are afflicted and do not realize it—this is a severe calamity.
But the one who feels the danger, corrects himself, turns to Allah, and repents to Him is truly fortunate.
Therefore, you must correct yourself, strive against your soul, ask Allah for help and guidance, and recite the Qur’an regularly, for the Qur’an is the cause of all goodness.
You must read it, reflect upon it, and ponder its meanings.
Allah ﷻ says:
كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَـٰرَكٌۭ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ
“This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you so that they may reflect upon its verses and that people of understanding may take heed.”
(Surah Sad 38:29)
And He says:
قُلۡ هُوَ لِلَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا هُدًى وَشِفَآءٌ
“Say, it is a guide and a healing for the believers.”
(Surah Fussilat 41:44)
And He says:
اِنَّ هٰذَا الۡقُرۡاٰنَ يَهۡدِىۡ لِلَّتِىۡ هِىَ اَقۡوَمُ
“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to what is most upright.”
(Surah al-Isra 17:9)
So you must hold firmly to the Qur’an—we all must—reflect upon it, ponder over it, and act upon it. Allah guides whom He wills.
The true crisis is ignorance. But with remembrance, alertness, vigilance, and a constant sense of accountability, a person is upon the path of salvation.
You must continue, be sincere with Allah, persist in repentance, and beware lest death overtakes you while you are in a bad state. Death can come suddenly—through a car accident or any other cause.
So fear Allah, O servant of Allah. Prepare yourself, persist in repentance, remain consistent in it, and you will attain salvation—yes.
May Allah ﷻ grant us all sincere repentance, steadfastness, and hearts filled with light and humility.
Aameen!
The Enduring Good Deeds 