How is real repentance explained in the Quran?

In the rich and profound teachings of the Holy Quran, the concept of 'Tawbah' (repentance) stands as one of the most central and hopeful notions for humanity. Tawbah signifies a sincere return from the path of error and sin towards the straight path of servitude and obedience to the Almighty God. This return is not merely a superficial or fleeting regret, but a deep spiritual, volitional, and practical transformation that separates an individual from their sinful past and guides them towards a pure, hopeful, and divinely pleasing future. The Merciful God has always kept the doors of His mercy and forgiveness open to His servants, inviting them to repentance and return, for He is 'At-Tawwab' (the Ever-Returning, the Accepter of Repentance) and 'Al-Ghafoor' (the Oft-Forgiving). These divine attributes represent a great promise for those who have deviated from the path of truth for any reason and are now seeking a way to return and rectify themselves. The Holy Quran places great emphasis on 'Tawbatan Nasuha,' which means sincere and 'advising' (to oneself) repentance. This type of repentance is not merely uttering words of regret; rather, it possesses practical conditions and characteristics, without which repentance may lack full validity and acceptance. In Surah At-Tahrim, verse 8, Allah says: "O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into Gardens beneath which rivers flow." This verse clearly indicates that sincere repentance not only leads to the forgiveness of sins but also opens the gates of Paradise for the truly repentant. The conditions of real repentance, according to the Quran and Islamic teachings, include the following: 1. Heartfelt Regret and Remorse: The first step towards repentance is a genuine feeling of remorse for the sin committed. This regret must come from the depths of one's heart and being, making the individual feel ashamed and distressed by their actions. This sense of remorse is the cornerstone of spiritual transformation and the beginning of the journey back. 2. Immediate Cessation of the Sin: Repentance without the practical abandonment of the sin is meaningless. If an individual persists in committing the sin while simultaneously declaring repentance, their repentance is not sincere. Therefore, a prerequisite for real repentance is to cut ties with the sin and cease it at the moment of remorse. 3. Firm Resolve Not to Return: The repentant person must make a firm and decisive commitment never to return to that sin again. This resolve must be so strong that even when faced with temptations and favorable conditions for sin, the individual can overcome their lower self and avoid it. Of course, if a person commits a sin again after repenting, they should not despair but should repent again and continue this process until complete purity is achieved, for Allah is Al-Ghaffar. 4. Rectification and Restoration of Rights: If the sin committed involves the rights of others (Huquq al-Nas), repentance is not sufficient merely with regret and cessation of the sin. It is necessary for the individual to compensate for the violated right, return stolen property, restore damaged reputation, or seek forgiveness from the aggrieved party. If the rights relate to God (Huquq Allah), such as missed prayers or fasts, they must be made up. In Surah An-Nisa, verses 17 and 18, Allah says: "The acceptance of repentance by Allah is only for those who do evil in ignorance and then repent soon after. It is those to whom Allah will turn in forgiveness, and Allah is ever Knowing and Wise. But repentance is not for those who continue to do evil deeds until, when death approaches one of them, he says, 'Indeed, I have repented now,' nor for those who die while they are disbelievers. For them We have prepared a painful punishment." These verses emphasize the importance of timely repentance, before the arrival of death. Real repentance, in addition to the forgiveness of sins, brings numerous benefits and blessings into an individual's life. Among these effects are inner peace, spiritual enlightenment, increased blessings in sustenance, favor with Allah and His servants, and ultimately, deliverance from divine punishment and entry into Paradise. The Holy Quran in Surah Hud, verse 3, states: "And [commanding], 'Seek forgiveness from your Lord and then repent to Him, [that] He may let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every possessor of grace his due grace.'" This verse indicates that repentance and seeking forgiveness lead to enjoying a good life in this world and receiving rewards in the Hereafter. Therefore, repentance in the Holy Quran is presented as a comprehensive and complete process of returning to God; a process that includes both inner remorse and practical action to abandon sin and rectify shortcomings. This vast divine mercy grants individuals the opportunity, whenever they deviate from the path, to return to their Creator with sincere intention and firm resolve, and to begin a new life with purity and salvation. Repentance is a continuous act and should never be despaired of, even if it is broken multiple times. Hope in divine forgiveness must always remain alive in the believer's heart, driving them towards striving for purity and piety.