Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah university Faculty of letters and humanities

Department of English
2017-2018

Semester: 5
Class: Interfaith dialogue
Activity: A presentation on repentance
By: Omar Boualloul
Outline:
 Repentence (Tawbah) difined:
Tawbah is an Arabic word derived from the origin "Taaba"…returned
back. Tawbah,thus, means turning back in repentance. It means showing regret
for the error and the sin one has got himself involved in*(1). Since, we are all
fallible, the very process through which we can enjoy God’s repentance and
pleasure, Is asking for forgiveness. “Every son of Adam sins, and the best of
those who sin are those who repent.” *(2).
“The Koran does not offer a precise definition of tawbah. It is clear however,
that tawba represents, at its most basic level, an abandonment of sin and a
reorientation to a life of obedience. It follows, then, that there must be an
awareness of having sinned and a feeling of remorse which moves one to turn
away from sin. Repudiation of sin however is not sufficient. The Koran often
juxtaposes tawbah and the pursuit of righteousness. It is not clear whether the
latter is part of the process of repentance or the consequence to it. Whichever
is the case, however, man’s hope of divine forgiveness requires such a
conversion.”*(3).
« Repentance is a concept consisting of Three successive and joined elements:
knowledge, state (of remorse) and action respectively. The First necessitates the
Second and the Second necessitates the Third”.
1- knowledge: (the starting point) - the realization of the magnitude of the sin’s
harm and and its being a barrier between man and the divine.(You realize that
you are taking poison.)
2- State: A fire of regret within (regretting having taken the poison.) this state of
regret is the result of knowledge ( realization). The prophet PBUH said that
“regret is repentance”
3- action: It is the fruit of knowledge and state -make up for the past,
repudiation of the sin, determination to abandon the sin which causes alienation
form the beloved (Stop taking the poison).*(4)
 The importance of repentance:

• The word repentance and it’s derivatives is mentioned in the Qur’an 84

times.*(5) Let alone the many authentic Hadiths that talk about
repentance and highlight its importance: there’s even an entire chapter
(surah) in the Qur’an having the name repentance (Tawbah). Tawbah is also
one of the attributes of God that « Al-Tawab » (The one who grants
repentance) is One of his 99 glorious names."Verily, He is the One Who
forgives (accepts repentance), the Most Merciful”. *(6).
• Repentance is important and beneficial because:
- It pleases Allah. “…Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance
and loves those who purify themselves” *(7).
-You never know when you are going to die.
- It purifies your heart.
- It restores your relationship with Allah.
- It helps you grow and learn.
- It makes you feel more confortable and secure. “O Ibadee (My slaves) who
have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not
of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most
Merciful.” *(8).
- It makes you feel strong and loved by the Almighty Allah. “And O my people!
Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky)
abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as Mujrimoon
(criminals, evil doers, etc)” *(9).
“Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant
you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every
owner of grace. But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e.
the Day of Resurrection).” *(10).
 The Seven conditions of repentance:
1- Sincerity: (Ikhlass) givinng up the sin for the sake of Allah. Not for other
reasons (to preserve one’s reputation for instance).
2- Giving up the sin emmediately.
3- regretting past evil deeds.
4-Carrying out Divine duties (fard, wajib etc.) that were missed.
5- Determination of not commiting sins or the same sins again.
6- it should be in the right time: before you die (ghargharah) (delaying
repentance is in and of itself a sin for which repentance is required).
7- Making amends to those whom you have wronged, or asking for their
forgiveness.
 Bibliography:
1- Understanding the concept of tawbah in Islam (repentance), IslamOnline.com / 16 Feb
2013.
Link:http://islam.ru/en/content/story/understanding-concept-tawbah-islam-repentance
2-Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2499; classed as hasan by al-Albaani.
3- Al-Ghazzali on repentance by M.S Stern, page 5.
4- reviving the sciences of religion by Abu Hamid Al-Ghazzali, the book of repentance.
5- Al-Ghazzali on repentance by M.S Stern.
6- Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 37).
7 - Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 222).
8-Quran (Surah Az-Zumar, Verse 53).
9-Quran (Surah Hood, Verse 52).
10- Quran (Surah Hood, Verse 3).