Read slowlyReflect honestlyApply sincerely
Do not lose hope
Allah tells those who have wronged themselves not to despair of His mercy. However serious a sin may feel, the door of sincere repentance remains open while life remains.
What repentance requires
Turn away from the sin, regret it, ask Allah for forgiveness and resolve not to return. If another person’s rights were harmed, restore those rights or seek their pardon where appropriate.
Hope produces action
True hope is not passive. It moves a believer toward Salaah, restitution, better habits and renewed obedience.
Allah’s mercy is vast. Sincere repentance combines hope, regret and corrective action.
Make sincere istighfār, identify one behaviour to leave, and take one concrete step to repair what can be repaired.