How to achieve peace after repentance?

How to achieve peace after repentance? This is a profound and vital question that every individual who embarks on the path of returning to God contemplates. Repentance (Tawbah) is not merely the cleansing of sins; it is a gateway to inner peace and a renewed connection with the Creator of the universe. The Holy Quran, the eternal word of God, outlines clear paths to attain this tranquility after repentance. The first and most crucial element in achieving peace after repentance is understanding the boundless mercy and forgiveness of Allah. Many individuals, even after sincere repentance, grapple with feelings of guilt and shame, which can prevent them from reaching true inner peace. However, the Quran explicitly states that Allah is Most Forgiving and Most Merciful. Verse 53 of Surah Az-Zumar serves as a grand promise and glad tidings for all sinners: "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 unequivocally declares that Allah forgives all sins, and despairing of His mercy is itself a greater sin. When a person wholeheartedly believes that Allah has accepted their repentance and forgiven their sins, a heavy burden is lifted from their shoulders, and an indescribable peace settles upon their heart. This trust in the divine promise is the first step towards liberation from anxiety and achieving inner serenity. The second step is genuine change and adherence to repentance. Repentance is not merely uttering words; it is sincere remorse for past actions and a firm resolve not to return to sin. This honest regret and steadfast determination help individuals to exit the cycle of sin and place themselves on the path of purity. The Holy Quran, in several verses, emphasizes the importance of Tawbah Nasuh (sincere repentance). This type of repentance requires three fundamental pillars: first, regret for the sin; second, abandoning the sin in the present; and third, a firm resolve not to return to it in the future. If the sin involved the rights of others (Huquq al-Ibad), then restoring those rights or seeking forgiveness from the injured party is also part of complete repentance. This practical change in behavior and lifestyle provides the individual with reassurance that they are on the right path, which itself is a source of peace. The person no longer sees themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of sin and regret but is progressing on a path of growth and elevation. The third key factor in attaining peace is the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr). The Quran states in verse 28 of Surah Ar-Ra'd: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." After repentance, when an individual is freed from the burden of sin, their heart becomes ready to receive divine light and tranquility. Continuously engaging in prayer (Salat), reciting the Quran, making supplications (Du'a), and any form of remembrance of Allah bestows calm upon the heart. This continuous connection with Allah gives the individual a sense of divine presence and support, reducing worldly worries and anxieties. Whenever the heart aligns with its Creator, there is no room left for unease. Furthermore, transforming bad deeds into good deeds is another way to achieve peace. The Quran states: "Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good ones. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Surah Al-Furqan, verse 70). This verse offers immense promise to those who repent, indicating that not only will their sins be forgiven, but through performing righteous deeds, those sins will be transformed into good deeds. This transformation serves as a strong motivation to continue on the path of righteousness and goodness, giving the individual a sense of worth and efficacy. When a person busies themselves with compensating for the past with good deeds, their attention shifts from previous mistakes towards building a brighter future, which inherently leads to inner peace. Peace after repentance is, in essence, the fruit of divine mercy, internal change, and continuous connection with Allah. After repenting, one must be vigilant against the whispers of Satan, who tries to remind them of past sins and instill despair. Satan attempts to keep individuals in a vicious cycle of hopelessness, diverting them from the path of returning to Allah. However, a true believer trusts in the divine promise and knows that Allah is Forgiving. Focusing on the future, engaging in acts of worship, serving humanity, and striving to rectify wrongs (where necessary) not only erases sins but also cleanses the heart from impurities, making it ready to receive tranquility. Remember that the purpose of repentance is to return to one's pure human nature and live in peace with oneself and the Creator. This inner peace is the true tranquility achieved through divine forgiveness and steadfastness on the path of truth. With every step on the path of piety and good deeds, the light of peace in your heart will shine brighter. Therefore, instead of drowning in regret and guilt after repentance, step towards a brighter and more peaceful future with trust in Allah and the performance of righteous deeds.