The Practising Muslim · Repentance & the Heart

Forgiveness & Sincerity in Islam

Explore Islamic teachings on seeking forgiveness and purifying the heart through sincerity.

9 questions · Medium · about 5 minutes

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9 questions, about 5 minutes.

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Show questions and answers Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 9 questions.

1. How can istighfar help a person’s du’a be answered?

  • It erases sins and brings the person closer to Allah. (correct answer)
  • It replaces the need to make du’a.
  • It guarantees that every du’a is answered in the exact way requested.
  • It only benefits people who have never committed major sins.

Why

Istighfar has many benefits, including increased provision and relief. One way it helps with du’a is that it erases sins, and sins can distance a person from Allah. Being closer to Allah is one of the means by which a person is more likely to receive a response to supplication.

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2. What is the ruling on praying for forgiveness for all Muslim men and women?

  • It is permissible and encouraged. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden because some Muslims may still be punished.
  • It is allowed only for scholars.
  • It is allowed only during funeral prayer.

Why

Praying for forgiveness for Muslims in general is valid and encouraged. The source cites Quranic evidence, prophetic practice, the action of the angels, and the practice of the Prophets, Companions, and later scholars. This does not conflict with Allah’s decree; Muslims are commanded to follow what Allah has prescribed, while the decree belongs to Allah.

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3. What should someone do if they repent from a sin but later fall into it again?

  • Repent again and keep seeking forgiveness. (correct answer)
  • Stop repenting because repeated sin makes repentance useless.
  • Assume Allah will never forgive that sin again.
  • Wait until old age before repenting sincerely.

Why

A person must not persist in sin or despair of Allah’s mercy. If they fall into the same sin again, they should repent again, seek forgiveness again, and continue striving to give up the sin. Repeated sincere repentance is accepted, even if the sin and repentance happen many times.

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4. What is generally better for a person whose sin Allah has concealed?

  • Conceal the sin and repent sincerely to Allah. (correct answer)
  • Publicly confess the sin to everyone.
  • Demand that people carry out punishment without authority.
  • Announce the sin so others can judge them.

Why

Major sins such as zina and theft are extremely serious, and a person must repent from them. But if Allah has concealed the sin, it is better for the person to conceal it too and repent sincerely to Allah, rather than exposing themselves publicly or going out of their way to confess before a judge so that a hadd punishment may be carried out.

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5. Which of the following is one of the ways sins may be erased?

  • Sincere repentance. (correct answer)
  • Persisting in sin while feeling safe from accountability.
  • Denying that sins matter.
  • Depending on good intentions while refusing to obey Allah.

Why

Sins may be erased through several means, including sincere repentance, Tawhid, good deeds that erase sins, calamities that expiate sins, and other means. The greatest good deed is Tawhid, while sincere repentance is a direct means of removing the traces of sin. A person who sins and repents is still included among those who fear Allah and hope for His promise.

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6. What is the basic rule for expiating gossip that violated another person’s rights?

  • Strive to seek the wronged person’s pardon. (correct answer)
  • Treat it as insignificant because it was only speech.
  • Give a fixed charity and ignore the person who was harmed.
  • Assume general du’a for all Muslims is always enough.

Why

Gossip is serious because it involves people’s rights and wrongdoing against others. The basic principle is to repent sincerely and try to seek pardon from the person who was wronged. If the person already heard about the gossip, direct pardon is especially important so that the harm and resentment may be removed.

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7. What should someone do if telling the person about the gossip is likely to cause greater harm?

  • Repent sincerely, pray specifically for that person, make du’a for them, and praise them in their absence. (correct answer)
  • Tell them anyway even if it will create greater trouble.
  • Ignore the sin because mentioning it may be awkward.
  • Pray only a general du’a for all Muslims and do nothing else.

Why

The basic rule in people’s rights is to seek pardon. But if telling the person about the gossip would likely cause greater harm, then the correct view cited allows the person not to disclose it, while still repenting sincerely. In that case, they should pray specifically for the one they wronged, make du’a for them, praise them in their absence, and do good for them if possible.

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8. What should someone do if they owe a financial right to a person they can no longer find?

  • Give the wealth in charity on that person’s behalf. (correct answer)
  • Keep the wealth because the owner is missing.
  • Repent only, even though they are able to return the wealth.
  • Give it to any relative of their own.

Why

Repentance from sins involving people’s financial rights requires restoring those rights when possible. If the person is alive, the right should be returned or forgiveness sought. If the person died, it should go to the heirs. If the person cannot be found, the wealth should be given in charity on their behalf, with repentance and remorse.

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9. What should a Muslim do after sincerely repenting from a private sin?

  • Continue repenting, close the doors to temptation, and resolve not to return to it. (correct answer)
  • Keep contact with the people or places that led to the sin.
  • Tell others about the concealed sin even when there is no benefit.
  • Despair and assume the sin has ruined their life forever.

Why

Sincere repentance includes regret, resolving not to return to the sin, and closing the paths that led to it. The person should increase in worship and good deeds, seek righteous company, and avoid the causes of temptation. If Allah has concealed the sin and telling others would bring no benefit, the person should leave the matter between themselves and Allah and not reopen doors of harm.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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