To atone for sins, repentance and personal reform are essential.
Atonement for sins is a significant theme in Islam, which is also highlighted in the Holy Quran. The first step in atoning for one’s sins is repentance, known as 'Tawbah.' In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 118, Allah says regarding some people who stayed back during the Battle of Tabuk: 'And He has forgiven the three who were left behind'. This verse emphasizes that true repentance should lead to a feeling of remorse and regret for past actions. After repenting, a sincere effort must be made to avoid returning to those sins and to work on personal reform. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 135, it is stated: 'And those who, when they commit an immorality or harm themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins.' This illustrates that believers should always be mindful of God and turn to Him after committing sins. Additionally, engaging in good deeds and charity can also serve as a way to compensate for sins. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 93, Allah instructs: 'O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means of nearness to Him, and strive in His cause.' So, performing good deeds and strengthening one’s piety can provide a pathway for atoning sins and re-establishing a connection with Allah.
And Allah has forgiven the three who were left behind until when the earth, despite its vastness, closed in on them and their souls tightened until they realized that there is no refuge from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them that they might repent. Indeed, Allah is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.
And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins.
O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means of nearness to Him, and strive in His cause that you may succeed.
One day, a young man named Amir was feeling guilty about his past actions. He decided to seek help from a local advisor. The advisor told Amir, 'The first step in atoning for your sins is repentance. You must sincerely turn back to God and seek His forgiveness.' After this counsel, Amir felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. He began to read the Quran, establish his daily prayers, and even help the needy. Soon, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and lightness in his life.