Sins & Repentance

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following was extracted from Shaykh Taj ad-Din Abu al-Fadhl Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Atha’illah as-Sakandari’s (q.s.) Taj al-‘Arus al-Hawy li Tahdzib an-Nufus, with translation done by Dr. Sherman Jackson in his “Sufism for non-Sufis”. 

On sins and repentance, Shaykh ibn ‘Atha’illah as-Sakandari’s (q.s.) wrote, “A person who engages in sinful behaviour is like a brand-new pot beneath which a flame is lit for a duration, as a result of which its bottom blackens.  If you hasten to wash it, this blackness will be washed away.  But if you leave it and cook in it time and again, this blackness will settle into it to the point that it crusts and washing it will be of no use.  Repentance is what washes away the soot of the heart, such that deeds emerge carrying the scent of being Accepted by God.  So, constantly ask God for Repentance.  And if you attain this, your time will be well spent.  For this is a Gift from God that He Places in whomever He Pleases among His servants. 

A tattered, humble servant may attain it while his master does not; a woman may attain it while her husband does not; a young person may attain it while one advanced in years does not.  So it you attain it, know that God has Made you the object of His Love, in accordance with His Statement: 

سُوۡرَةُ البَقَرَة

... إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلتَّوَّٲبِينَ وَيُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُتَطَهِّرِينَ (٢٢٢) 

… for Allah Loves those who turn to Him constantly, and He Loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (Surah al-Baqarah:222)”