Q: I committed zina (premarital sex) and oral sex. How can this grave sin ever be forgiven?
A. No matter how big the sins are or when they were committed, they will be forgiven by Allah when you repent. 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.
Allah Ta’aala says in the Qur’aan:
O MY Servants who have wronged against themselves! Do not despair of the Mercy of Allah! Surely Allah forgives all sins. Undoubtedly He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Zumar, verse 53)
Verily Allah does not forgive the sin of (Shirk) attributing partners to Him, but He forgives any sin besides this for whosoever He wishes. (Surah Nisaa, verse 48)
The method of Taubah Salaah is to perform two Rakaats Salaah with the intention of Taubah. Preferably recite Surah Kaafiroon in the first Rakaat after Surah Faatihah and Surah Nasr in the second Rakaat after Surah Faatihah, otherwise any other Surahs may be recited.
Thereafter make Istighfaar and Du’aa with regret in the heart for previous sins and promising Allah Ta’aala that you will not venture near those sins again and ask Allah to help you in this regard. While you are at it, repent from all other sins, committed knowingly or unknowingly. Cry before Allah, or at least make the face like one who is crying. 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. All sins big or small are forgiven by Allah when a person turns to Him seeking forgiveness. Once you have sincerely made Taubah, believe with conviction that your sins have been forgiven by Allah.
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. (Ibni Maajah V2 P1419).
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. May Allah Ta’aala make you from among His pious servants. Aameen.
Increase in pious actions and trust in Allah.
Mufti Siraj Desai