Q: What are the conditions for sincere repentance?
A. It is mentioned in a Hadeeth that when a person seeks forgiveness from a sin, it is as if he did not commit that sin at all. Ask for forgiveness in your own language and your own words. At the time of seeking forgiveness (Taubah) keep the following points in mind:
* You should not be involved in the sin at the time of Taubah.
* You should have regret and remorse over your sins.
* You should promise Allah Ta'aala that you will not return to that sin again.
Any sin, irrespective of how big it is, is forgiven through making Taubah. Turn towards Allah and He will turn towards you.
If the sin involved rights of others, then with repentance unto Allah, the rights of the other persons have to be fulfilled or forgiveness has to be sought from those persons too. When the rights of others are involved, repentance unto Allah Ta'aala alone will not suffice. Fulfilment of the right or forgiveness has to be sought from the aggrieved.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai