Is regretting the past condemned in the Quran?

In the profound and wise perspective of the Holy Quran, excessive and debilitating regret over the past is clearly discouraged. The Quran provides guidance to humanity, preventing individuals from drowning in the sorrows of what has transpired and guiding them towards hope, effort for the future, and reliance on God. This does not imply that one should not learn from past experiences or feel remorse for mistakes; rather, it means that regret and sorrow over an unchangeable past should not ruin one's present and future, nor hinder one from moving towards perfection and divine pleasure. One of the clearest verses addressing this topic is Surah Al-Hadid, verse 23, which states: "لِكَيْلَا تَأْسَوْا عَلَى مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا تَفْرَحُوا بِمَا آتَاكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ" (So that you do not grieve over what has escaped you nor exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like every self-deluded and boastful one.) The word "تأسوا" (ta'saw) originates from "أسي" (asā), meaning to grieve or regret. The aim of this verse is for believers to understand that everything happens by divine decree, and thus, they should refrain from excessive regret and sorrow over what they have lost. Such regret is not only unproductive but can also lead to despair, hopelessness, and consequently, to weakness in faith and inaction towards building a better future. The Quran teaches us to be patient in the face of loss and not to be arrogant in the face of achievements. This balance is a sign of spiritual maturity and trust in divine wisdom. It emphasizes living in the present and preparing for the future with a balanced perspective, acknowledging that all blessings and challenges are from Allah and serve a greater purpose. This perspective helps in cultivating inner peace and contentment, allowing one to move forward without being bogged down by what cannot be changed. This disapproval of excessive regret is rooted in the concepts of "Qada and Qadar" (divine decree and destiny) and "Tawakkul ala Allah" (reliance on God). Allah Almighty repeatedly emphasizes in the Quran that everything occurs by His permission and according to a greater wisdom. Therefore, regretting the past is, in a way, a form of discontent with divine decree, which contradicts the spirit of submission and reliance. A true believer is one who practices gratitude or patience in the face of what has occurred, and directs their gaze towards the future and the opportunities that Allah provides for compensation or progress. Instead of constantly reviewing past mistakes or lost opportunities, the Quran emphasizes the importance of "Tawbah" (repentance) and returning to God. Tawbah means genuine remorse for sins and mistakes, a decision not to repeat them, and an effort to make amends. This remorse is constructive and forward-looking, not paralyzing and destructive. Repentance opens the door to purification and a fresh start with sincere intentions, leading to spiritual and moral growth and bringing one closer to Allah. This process of remorse and return signifies Allah's boundless mercy, which never closes the door of hope to His servants, no matter how numerous their sins. For instance, in Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53, we read: "قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ" (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 directly addresses the issue of past sins and the avoidance of despair from divine mercy. Excessive regret over past sins, if it leads to despair of Allah's forgiveness, is itself a greater sin. Allah has always kept the door of repentance open so that His servants can transform their dark past into a bright future through return and reform. This verse serves as a beacon of guidance for those burdened by sins, feeling that there is no way back. The clear message of the Quran is that the door of Allah's mercy is never closed, and whenever a servant returns to Him with sincere remorse, His forgiveness will encompass them. Therefore, remorse for sin should be a catalyst for repentance and good deeds, not a cause for stagnation, depression, or spiritual isolation. Furthermore, in Surah Yusuf, verse 87, the Quran quotes Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) (peace be upon him) telling his sons: "يَا بَنِيَّ اذْهَبُوا فَتَحَسَّسُوا مِن يُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ وَلَا تَيْأَسُوا مِن رَّوْحِ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ لَا يَيْأَسُ مِن رَّوْحِ اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْكَافِرُونَ" (O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of the relief of Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of the relief of Allah except the disbelieving people.) This verse also emphasizes avoiding despair and hopelessness, even in situations where all paths seem closed. Regret over the past and current circumstances can lead to despair, whereas faith in divine mercy and relief drives a person towards effort and hope. This hope is the driving force that enables a person to persevere even in the most difficult circumstances and seek solutions. This Quranic principle applies not only to material and worldly matters but also to spiritual and moral ones. Despair from divine relief not only hinders one's progress but also becomes an obstacle to receiving Allah's grace and mercy. Ultimately, the Quran reminds believers that life is an opportunity for righteous deeds and earning divine pleasure. Drowning in past regrets means neglecting this golden opportunity. One should learn from the past, rectify mistakes (if possible), repent, and move forward with full determination towards a better future. This approach not only contributes to an individual's spiritual peace but also places them on the path of growth and transcendence, enabling them to face life's challenges more effectively and hopefully. Accepting the past, learning from it, and then letting go of paralyzing regrets is the path outlined by the Quran for mental well-being and spiritual advancement. Focusing on the present and future with sincere intentions and good deeds is the key to success in this world and the hereafter. Thus, in the Quran's view, paralyzing and despair-inducing regret is condemned, while constructive and repentance-driven remorse is desirable and conducive to progress. Life means moving forward, learning from yesterday, and building a brighter tomorrow, under the boundless grace and mercy of Allah.