Does God Truly Forgive My Mistakes?

My dear brother or sister, this is a question that resonates in the hearts of many people, whether believers or not: Does God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who knows all things, truly forgive our small and large mistakes? The answer to this question, from the perspective of the Holy Quran, is a resounding and reassuring 'Yes, absolutely!' Allah Almighty, in the Quran, repeatedly introduces Himself with attributes such as 'Al-Ghafur' (The All-Forgiving), 'Ar-Rahim' (The Most Merciful), 'At-Tawwab' (The Acceptor of Repentance), and 'Al-Afu' (The Pardoner). These attributes are not merely names on a tablet; rather, they signify the pure truth of a Lord who is the endless source of mercy and forgiveness. One of the most beautiful and hope-inspiring verses in the Quran regarding this matter is Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" This verse is a universal invitation, an invitation for all those who might have felt that their sins are too great for a return or that no forgiveness would be possible. Allah explicitly states, "Do not despair of His mercy," and the key point here is that He forgives "all sins." This encompasses every type of mistake and sin, unless one dies in a state of polytheism (shirk) without having repented. Even shirk, if accompanied by sincere repentance before death, is forgivable. The primary condition for divine forgiveness is sincere repentance. In Islam, repentance (Tawbah) is not merely a word; it is a profound process involving the heart, mind, and actions. Tawbah Nasuh, meaning sincere repentance, originates from the depths of one's soul and comprises three main pillars: First, genuine regret for the sin committed. This regret should be so deep as to cause pain and uneasiness in the heart. Second, a firm resolve to abandon that sin and not return to it in the future. This implies a serious decision to change one's life path and rectify behavior. Third, making amends for what has been lost or for any rights that have been violated. If the sin pertains to the rights of others (e.g., you wronged someone or destroyed their property), you must, as much as possible, restore that right to its owner or seek their forgiveness. Allah Almighty says in Surah An-Nisa, verse 110: "And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful." This verse also demonstrates that the door of repentance is always open, and Allah is ready to accept His servants. Why such emphasis on divine forgiveness and mercy? Allah knows that human beings are weak and prone to error. He created us and is aware of our weaknesses. If the door of repentance and forgiveness were not open, humanity would be trapped in an endless cycle of despair and sin. However, with this hope, humans can learn from their mistakes, correct their path, and once again strive towards perfection. Divine forgiveness not only erases sins but also purifies the soul and brings peace to the heart. When a person knows that their Lord awaits their return, they find a strong motivation for change. Therefore, if you have committed a mistake, the first and most crucial step is to avoid despair. Despairing of Allah's mercy is itself a grave sin. Then, with a broken heart and sincere intention, turn back to Him, seek His forgiveness, and have a firm resolve to rectify your actions and not repeat the mistake. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 135: "And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allah?—and [who] do not knowingly persist in what they have done." This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah, seeking forgiveness, and not insisting on wrongdoing. So, yes, with a heart confident in this boundless mercy, return to Him, for He is the only true refuge and forgiver, and He will never disappoint you.