Is someone who has sinned still beloved by God?

This is a profound question that touches upon the very essence of God's attributes in Islam: His boundless mercy, infinite compassion, and unwavering love for His creation. The human experience is inherently imperfect, marked by trials, errors, and indeed, sins. It is natural for a person who has committed a sin to feel remorse, guilt, and to question their standing with their Creator. However, a deep understanding of Islamic teachings, particularly from the Holy Quran, reveals a message of immense hope and an open door to divine mercy and renewed love. Firstly, it is crucial to understand Allah's fundamental attributes as repeatedly mentioned in the Quran. He is Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Ar-Rahim (The Especially Merciful), Al-Ghafoor (The Forgiving), and Al-Wadud (The Most Loving). These names are not mere titles; they describe the very nature of God. His mercy encompasses all things, as stated in Surah Al-A'raf (7:156): "My mercy encompasses all things." This means that His mercy is not limited to those who have never sinned, but extends to all creation, including those who have erred. The Quran does not depict God as a vengeful deity eager to punish, but rather as a benevolent and patient Lord who desires for His servants to return to Him. Sin, in Islam, is a transgression against God's commands or against oneself, stemming from ignorance, weakness, or human fallibility. While God dislikes the act of sin itself, His relationship with the individual sinner is far more complex and compassionate, especially if that individual shows remorse and seeks to rectify their ways. The concept of "Tawbah" (repentance) is central to this understanding. Tawbah literally means "to turn back" or "to return." It signifies a sincere turning away from sin and a turning back towards God. The Quran repeatedly invites sinners to repent, assuring them of God's readiness to forgive. Consider the powerful verse in Surah Az-Zumar (39:53): "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 offers immense comfort and hope. It directly addresses those who have committed sins, even transgressed "against themselves" – indicating significant wrongdoing – and explicitly forbids despairing of God's mercy. It promises that Allah forgives all sins, provided the repentance is sincere. This divine invitation itself is the strongest evidence of God's enduring love for His servants, even those who have stumbled. He doesn't abandon them; rather, He calls them back to His embrace. Another profound verse is in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222): "...Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves." This verse directly answers the question. It states that God loves those who are "tawwabin" – those who frequently turn back to Him in repentance. This implies that even after sinning, if a person sincerely repents, they can not only be forgiven but can also become beloved by God. Their act of returning, of acknowledging their fault, humbling themselves before God, and striving to do better, is an act that draws them closer to divine love. It's a testament to God's desire for His creation to succeed and His willingness to facilitate their return to righteousness. The Quran also clarifies that repentance is most effective when it is sincere and promptly sought. Surah An-Nisa (4:17) states: "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." While this verse emphasizes promptness and ignorance as a context, the broader message of God's readiness to forgive those who turn to Him remains. Even if a sin was committed knowingly, sincere repentance with a firm resolve not to repeat it is accepted by God, as evidenced by Surah Az-Zumar (39:53) which is more general. It's important to distinguish between God's disapproval of the act of sin and His enduring love for the person. Just as a loving parent may disapprove of their child's misbehavior, they do not cease to love the child. They desire for the child to learn from their mistakes, grow, and return to good conduct. Similarly, God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, dislikes disobedience because it harms the individual and society, but He never closes the door of hope for sincere return. The very fact that He has opened the door of repentance and encouraged seeking forgiveness is a clear sign of His love and concern for the well-being of His servants. Furthermore, sincere repentance has the power to transform not just the individual's spiritual state but also their record of deeds. Surah Al-Furqan (25:70) beautifully illustrates this: "Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will change their evil deeds into good ones. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." This is an astonishing manifestation of God's mercy and love. Not only are the sins forgiven, but they are replaced with good deeds, elevating the repentant individual's status. This profound grace is a clear indication that a sinner who genuinely turns back to God is not merely tolerated but embraced and elevated. In conclusion, the answer from the Quran is a resounding "yes." A person who has sinned can still be beloved by God. God's love is not withdrawn the moment a sin is committed. Rather, His mercy and love are vast and ever-present, offering a path back through sincere repentance. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes God's attributes of forgiveness, mercy, and love, and His invitation to all His servants, regardless of their past transgressions, to return to Him. The act of repentance, born out of humility and sincere remorse, is itself an act of worship that can draw a servant closer to their Creator, making them not just forgiven but indeed, beloved. Therefore, despair is forbidden for the sinner; hope, sincere turning, and striving for righteousness are the keys to reaffirming one's cherished place in God's love.