{"_id":"668da0340b76658b4c2330df","title":"Can we still repent if we are actively struggling with a sin?","question":"I am aware that one of the conditions of repentance (توبة) is promising Allah that you will never return to that sin again. Also, breaking a promise with Allah means paying a penalty (كفّارة). How can one apply this to sins that seem like we'll struggle with all our life like listening to music in our times? Wouldn't it be extremely difficult to keep making promises then breaking them and being penalized? My only hope is having certainty that Allah will lift this sin from me if I show sincerity in repentance. Is that a valid belief?","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"One of the prerequisites for genuine repentance is a strong determination not to revert to the wrongdoing. It is not necessary to make a promise. Also, in Islamic law, the promise that requires expiation is called a nadhr or a vow, which do not apply to obligatory acts. Therefore, your promise to not return to sin is not the type that requires expiation. \\n\\nThat said, your hope in Allah's infinite mercy is well-founded. You must never have any doubt in Allah's mercy. In fact, doubting Allah's forgiveness or losing hope in His mercy is a grave sin against Allah. \"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.\\\" [\"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://quran.com/az-zumar/53\",\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"39:53\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"]\"},{\"insert\":\" As long as you repent to Him sincerely, He will see this, even if you keep repeating the same sin. He will rid you of this disobedience in due course, according to your sincerity. When Allah witnesses your sincerity and persistence, He will have mercy on you. He will strengthen you and save you from this act of disobedience, whenever He wishes. \"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Those who, when they do something shameful or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and who never knowingly persist in doing wrong.\\\" [\"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://quran.com/en/ali-imran/135\",\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"3:135\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"] \"},{\"insert\":\"May Allah give you the strength to persevere.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9ff20b76658b4c2329d9","tag":"Worship: Intention","count":103},{"_id":"668d9ff70b76658b4c232a7b","tag":"Worship: Sins","count":100},{"_id":"668d9ff20b76658b4c2329f4","tag":"Worship: Repentance","count":63}],"createdOn":"2024-07-09T20:40:20.169Z"}