Page 153 - The Sincere Repentance

In this lesson, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif expounds upon Ayahs 22 to 30 of Surah al-A'raf, illustrating the immense mercy of Allah in stark contrast to the deceitful tactics of Shaytan. After Prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌ السَّلام and Hawwa علیها السلام ate from the forbidden tree, their nakedness was unveiled, prompting them to cover themselves with leaves from Paradise. When Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ called out to them, reminding them of His divine command and the enmity of Shaytan, they humbly acknowledged their mistake, saying, “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves.” 

This sincere act of repentance (Tawbah) highlights a crucial distinction between Prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌ السَّلام and Shaytan. Prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌ السَّلام recognised his mistake and earnestly pledged to never repeat it, whereas Shaytan, consumed by arrogance, refused to seek forgiveness. True Tawbah begins with a firm conviction and an understanding that disobedience ultimately harms oneself, not Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. 

Shaytan seeks to lead as many of the children of Prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌ السَّلام astray as possible, unwilling to bear the consequences of his actions alone. Muslims are reminded not to boast about their sins or engage in them publicly. Instead, they should strive to refrain from sinful behaviour, and when they do err, turn back to Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ in sincere repentance. It is important to note that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ does not command immortality, thus highlighting the difference between divine guidance and the deceptive promises of Shaytan.