By N.U .Abdul Razzak Udayar

To err is human, to forgive is divine. This well-known adage clearly points out that human beings by nature often tend to make mistakes and commit sins.

Islam, as a perfect religion, agrees to this truth as no man is perfect in this world.

As the Holy month of Ramadan gives us a strong and effective training to build a good character it is apt to reflect on the importance of seeking repentance.

“Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves”. — (Sura Baqarah 222).

Repentance helps believers kill two birds with one stone. When the forgiveness is accepted, they not only get relief free from bad deeds but also get merits for this unique act of worship.

The best among all people, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who is sinless, repented to Allah more than 70 times a day. Hence we should be hasty to genuinely seek repentance and forgiveness for all our mistakes, misdeeds and sins that are committed overtly or covertly.

Today, with the dominance of technology, some or a few of us can commit mistakes intentionally or otherwise.

With sincere repentance, one can simply forget his or her unpleasant past and turn over a new leaf as one who repents from sin is like one who has not sinned.

Allah, the Almighty, confirms the success that is given to those who sincerely repent:

“................. And beg Allah to forgive you all, Oh believers, that you may be successful.” (Surah An Noor- Verse 31)

There are several benefits that a repentant gets through this humble act of worship. It removes his guilt, fills the heart with happiness, brings the repenting person closer to Allah thus giving him the right path for eternal success.

The victim or the affected party also gets a relief when the offender asks forgiveness while restoring the latter’s right.

Islam is the perfect way of life that ensures every member of society — Muslim or non- Muslin, the rich or the poor, male or female —gets equal treatment and justice since it promotes peace and pluralism.

When a person goes astray, he is given the rare opportunity putting himself back on the right track. Repentance is the easiest step Allah has given to the believers. The doors of Allah are open for every one for repentance with three main conditions. They are:

1. Recognizing one’s sins and mistakes

2. Feeling ashamed of violating Allah’s trust of complete submissions to his commands

3. Making a promise never to repeat such bad behavior