It is our duty that we stay away from disobedience. The result of sin is that it leads to even more sins. Due to our transgression, we lose respect in the hearts of others but unfortunately, we do not want to realise that this is one part of being punished.

The beauty of repentance is that it relieves us of punishment because of our sins. We don’t reflect but sins create a despondency within us; therefore it is vital that we fortify our ta’alluq with Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. We should always be fearful of being exposed for our shortcomings. Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Sahib حفظه الله has repeatedly advised us that it is the sheer favour of our Merciful Rabb جل جلاله that He has concealed our faults. It is thus an obligation upon us that we grieve over our sins, we shed tears and plead for forgiveness. The tears of regret and remorse are loved by Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.

If we are going to be careful with regards our actions, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله will grant honour to us and the hearts of people will incline towards us with reverence and respect. And, if Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله forbid, we violat the laws of Shariah in our old age – we will suffer disgrace. What we learn is that obedience is required of us all the time; we cannot afford to be negligence nor can we be complacent.

Another point that we need to remain focused upon is that we never apportion any importance to our acts of virtue. Many of our Mashaa’ikh considered their exertions as sinful when compared to the Grandeur and Majesty of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. We have to exert our lives in obedience having hope for acceptance in the mercy of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله whilst having an apprehension that our deeds may be rejected due to a deficiency in ikhlaas. Undoubtedly, the eyes that weep in this world will experience happiness in the Aakhirah. Salvation in the Aakhirah is the ultimate success. Never procrastinate after committing any sin; the fire of disobedience can only be extinguished through tears.

Muhiyyus Sunnah Hazrat Moulana Abraarul Haq Hardoi Sahib رحمه الله has so beautifully explained that it will be indeed very difficult to be categorised as an Ārif (one who recognises Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله) because of our sins, but it will be great favour from our Merciful Rabb جل جلاله if He includes us in the group of those who have repented.

Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Maseehullah Khan Sahib رحمه الله has said that the institution of Tawbah is a medicine for the soul. Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله states in the Holy Qur’ān:
يا ايها الذين امنوا توبوا…
‘O people of Īmān, repent…’

This address is to the people of Īmān. We are not told that we should not commit sins but rather, when we slip into error, we resort to Tawbah. Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله knows full well our weaknesses; the Qur’anic injunction is that we save ourselves from the sickness of sin through the medication of Tawbah.

May Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله include us among His servants who have repented.
آمين يارب العالمين