Why do I despair from repeating sins?

Feeling despair after repeatedly committing sins is a common yet perilous experience that many individuals grapple with. This sense of hopelessness and helplessness not only obstructs one's return to Allah but can also be a significant stratagem of Satan to keep a servant distant from the vast divine mercy. The Holy Quran, as a guide, explicitly addresses this issue, offering countless solutions and assurances to overcome this trap of despair. A correct understanding of concepts such as divine mercy, repentance, forgiveness, and the role of Satan in tempting humans, is the primary key to overcoming this feeling. time and again, the Quran emphasizes that the mercy of Allah is boundless and all-encompassing. Allah Almighty introduces Himself with the attributes of 'Ar-Rahman' (The Most Gracious) and 'Ar-Rahim' (The Most Merciful); attributes that signify the immensity and eternity of His mercy. Even for sinners who have repeatedly erred, the door of divine mercy is never closed. In Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53, Allah Almighty says with a tone full of compassion and hope: “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 serves as a beacon of light in the darkness of despair. The word 'asrafu' means to transgress or exceed limits in sin, implying that even those who are submerged in sin and have committed numerous transgressions should not lose hope in divine mercy. Allah has promised the forgiveness of all sins, except polytheism (shirk) without repentance. This promise is a source of light for weary and desperate hearts that feel there is no way back. One of the most crucial concepts the Quran introduces for liberation from despair due to repeated sins is 'Tawbah Nasuha,' or sincere repentance. Tawbah means returning; returning from the path of error to the straight path, returning from disobedience to obedience. In Surah At-Tahrim, verse 8, the Holy Quran states: “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…” The crucial point in repentance is its 'sincerity.' Sincere repentance has four pillars: genuine regret for past sins, a firm decision to abandon the sin in the present, a resolute determination not to return to it in the future, and making amends for the rights of others (Huquq al-Nas) if the sin was related to them. If someone repents with these four conditions each time after committing a sin, Allah accepts their repentance, even if the sin has been repeated multiple times. The important thing is not to despair and to rise again with sincere intention towards Allah whenever we stumble. This repetition of repentance signifies the servant's will and effort towards divine proximity, even if they make mistakes on this path. Furthermore, the Holy Quran clarifies Satan's role in instilling despair in servants. Satan is the greatest enemy of mankind, and his primary goal is to mislead and divert humans from the divine path. One of Satan's most significant methods to achieve this goal is to create despair and hopelessness in the hearts of believers. He whispers to humans that their sins are so great and numerous that there is no way back, and Allah will not forgive them. This temptation is precisely contrary to Quranic teachings about Allah's infinite mercy. In several verses, Allah emphasizes that Satan is a clear enemy to humanity and that his temptations should not be followed. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168, we read: “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” Despair from Allah's mercy is precisely one of the 'footsteps of Satan' that leads a person to ruin. Ultimately, it must be understood that the life of a believer is a field of greater jihad; a struggle against the commanding self (nafs al-ammara) and the whispers of Satan. Every slip and sin is a challenge that provides an opportunity for repentance and a stronger return to Allah. The belief that Allah loves those who repent (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 222: “…Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”) and transforms their sins into good deeds (Surah Al-Furqan, verse 70: “Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous deeds - for those, Allah will change their evil deeds into good ones. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”) must always remain alive in our hearts. This hope is a motivator for continued effort, even after stumbles. Therefore, never despair of your Lord's mercy; His doors of forgiveness are always open to His servants. It is enough to return to Him with sincerity and firm resolve, seeking His help and forgiveness. The path to perfection is winding, but by trusting in Allah and relying on His mercy, every obstacle can be overcome.