Answer: The concept of repentance, known as "Tawbah," is fundamental and profound, emphasizing the mercy and forgiveness of God. Tawbah means returning to Allah after
committing sins or making mistakes, seeking His forgiveness, and committing oneself to avoid repeating those sins. Here are key aspects of Tawbah in Islamic teachings:
1. Sincere Regret: The first step in true repentance is genuine remorse for having committed the sin. This involves acknowledging that the act was wrong and feeling sorry for
disobeying Allah.
2. Immediate Cessation of the Sin: To repent, one must immediately stop committing the sin for which they are repenting. This demonstrates a serious commitment to change
and a desire to align one's actions with the teachings of Islam.
3. Firm Resolution Not to Return to the Sin: A person must make a firm intention not to return to the sin in the future. This involves making a personal commitment to steer clear
of circumstances that may lead to the sin and taking proactive steps to avoid falling into the same patterns of behavior.
4. Seeking Forgiveness: The act of seeking forgiveness involves directly asking Allah for pardon. This can be done through prayer, supplication (Dua), and performing good deeds
that can help atone for the wrongdoing.
5. Making Amends: If the sin involved wronging another person, part of repentance includes rectifying the wrong or compensating the person harmed. This could mean returning
stolen property, apologising for a transgression, or any other action that would reasonably make amends for the harm caused.
Tawbah is not only a duty but a privilege in Islam, reflecting Allah's infinite mercy and compassion. It is encouraged at any time and any number of times, as Allah's forgiveness is
seen as boundless. The Qur'an repeatedly emphasizes that Allah is Most Merciful and Forgiving, and He loves to forgive those who turn to Him in sincere repentance. This openness
to forgiveness is intended to motivate Muslims to maintain a close and constant connection with Allah, continually striving to improve themselves spiritually and morally.