Is the door of repentance a physical door or not, and what are the Hadiths related to it and their degree of authenticity?

The 'gate of repentance' (Bab al-Tawbah (definition)) refers to a literal, well-known gate; it is a physical gate, vast, with its two door-panels extending from the East to the West. It remains open for repentance until the sun rises from its west. This view is supported by Al-San'ani and others, based on the principle of interpreting the words of the Lawgiver (Shari') according to their apparent meaning.

Another opinion holds that the 'gate of repentance' is a metaphor for the believer's lifetime and the end of their appointed term. They base this on Hadiths such as, "Indeed, Allah accepts the repentance of His servant as long as he has not gurgled [i.e., is not on his deathbed]."

What supports the idea of the gate being real is what Ibn Majah narrated from Safwan ibn Assal, who mentioned an open gate, seventy years wide, located towards the setting sun. It will remain open for repentance until the sun rises from its direction. Similarly, what was narrated in the Hadith (definition) of Ibn Abbas, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, chose to open the gate of repentance and mercy for Quraysh instead of turning Safa into gold.