Why, despite repentance, is sin repeated?

The question of why sin is repeated even after repentance is a profound and challenging one that many individuals face throughout their lives. This issue is not merely a matter of moral weakness or lack of willpower; rather, it is rooted in the complexities of human existence and external temptations, which the Holy Quran addresses with profound insights. Understanding this phenomenon from a Quranic perspective helps us approach this challenge with a more realistic and hopeful outlook. Firstly, and most importantly, is the inherent nature of the human being, referred to in the Quran as the "Nafs al-Ammarah bis-Su'" (the soul that commands to evil). In Surah Yusuf, verse 53, Allah states: "And I do not acquit my soul. Indeed, the soul is a persistent inciter of evil, except for what my Lord has mercy upon. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful." This verse clearly indicates that within every human being, there is a soul that inherently inclines towards desires, fleeting pleasures, and sin. This intrinsic inclination, even after a sincere repentance, does not completely vanish. Instead, it requires a continuous struggle and a strong will to control it. If a person does not maintain this struggle, and due to heedlessness or weakness of will, succumbs to temptations again, the repetition of sin becomes highly probable. This internal struggle is part of the divine test for human growth and elevation, demonstrating that the path of servitude is a winding one, requiring tireless effort. Repentance is like cleaning the slate, but building a new, beautiful slate requires continuous care. Secondly, there is the relentless role of Satan. The Holy Quran identifies Satan as a clear enemy of humanity and refers to his temptations and deceptions in numerous verses. In Surah Al-A'raf, verses 16 and 17, we read that Satan vowed: "He said, 'Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come at them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].'" Satan not only tempts before sin but also remains active even after repentance and expression of remorse. He tries to drag a person back into sin by reminding them of past pleasures, instilling despair in Allah's mercy, or suggesting that repentance is futile. These temptations can be very cunning and require a strong will and constant remembrance of Allah to counteract them. Satan exploits every opening and weakness to infiltrate; from excessive guilt to pride stemming from repentance, all can be tools for him to drag a person back into falling. Therefore, the fight against Satan is a perpetual jihad. Thirdly, the quality and depth of repentance are crucial. True repentance in Islam is not limited to merely saying "Astaghfirullah" (I seek Allah's forgiveness). It must encompass sincere regret for past actions, immediate cessation of the sin, a firm resolve not to return to it, and, if necessary, making amends and rectification (Tawbah Nasuhah). Sometimes, a person's repentance may lack sufficient depth, being driven only by momentary remorse or fear of consequences, without identifying and addressing the underlying roots of the inclination towards sin. Bad habits, an unhealthy environment, negative company, and improper management of carnal desires can be among the roots that remain active even after superficial repentance, leading to the repetition of sin. If an individual does not distance themselves from tempting environments and factors after repentance, or fails to strive to replace bad habits with good ones, the likelihood of repeating the sin significantly increases. Therefore, Tawbah Nasuhah is a process where an individual not only regrets past sins but also exerts all efforts to correct the future. This includes changes in lifestyle, reviewing relationships, and creating supportive frameworks to prevent a return to sin. Each repentance should be deeper than the last, bringing new lessons to the individual. Fourth, weakness of faith and heedlessness of Allah. Faith acts as a protective shield. Whenever this shield weakens, a person becomes more vulnerable to temptations. Neglecting the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), staying away from prayer (Salat), not reciting the Quran, and ignoring divine verses gradually harden the heart, making one lose the ability to distinguish right from wrong and to fight against the self and Satan. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Taqwa (God-consciousness), as these are tools that keep a person on the straight path of obedience and true repentance. In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, it is stated: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." Strengthening this spiritual connection fortifies one's will against sin. The stronger the heart's connection with Allah, the more prominent the voice of conscience (Nafs al-Lawwamah) will be, and resisting sin becomes easier. An active spiritual life, including prayers with presence of heart, supplication (dua), remembrance (dhikr), and Quran recitation, forms the backbone of steadfastness on the path of repentance. Fifth, the lack of persistence and patience in the path of obedience. The path of servitude and avoidance of sin is a continuous journey that requires patience and steadfastness. Many sins, especially those that have become habits, are not easily abandoned and require sustained effort and perseverance. Repentance is a very important step, but maintaining the path afterward requires constant vigilance and an untiring struggle against the self and Satan. The Quran, in various verses, emphasizes the importance of patience and steadfastness in the way of Allah. If a person, after repenting, expects no more temptations for sin to come their way and becomes impatient when faced with them, they might become despairing and succumb again. Each time a sin is repeated, it is a new opportunity for repentance and renewing one's covenant with Allah, and it should not lead to despair; rather, it should be an incentive for greater effort and learning from past mistakes. Allah says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 135: "And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and do not persist in what they have done while they know." This verse indicates that even after committing a sin, if a person immediately remembers Allah, repents, and does not persist in the sin, there is hope for divine forgiveness. The repetition of sin indicates that this struggle is still ongoing, and one must return to the path with stronger resolve. Hope in Allah's mercy is the main driving force on this path, and one should never despair, even if they stumble multiple times; the important thing is to return to Allah each time with remorse and a more serious determination, seeking His help. Allah knows that humans are weak and has always kept the doors of repentance open. The important thing is continuous effort and returning to Him.