How can one make a sincere repentance (Tawbah Nasuh) from recurring sins such as stealing, lying, masturbation, and laziness in prayer, especially after having sworn a false oath (Yamin Ghamus), given the presence of intrusive thoughts and anxiety, and what about restoring rights (radd al-madhalim) in cases where the value of stolen items or their owners are not remembered, or out of fear of scandal?
The door of repentance is open and will not close until the sun rises from the west. No matter how great the sin, Allah's pardon and mercy are greater. Allah Almighty says: "Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.""
If the sin pertains to the rights of Allah Almighty, then it is sufficient to cease from it with remorse and a firm resolve not to return to it. If it pertains to the rights of people, then one must return those rights to them by whatever means possible, without necessarily informing them of the theft. The aim is for those rights to reach their owners. If the owner is unknown or cannot be reached, then give it as charity to the poor and needy, or use it for the benefit of Muslims. If the amount of the rights is unknown, then strive to give an amount that leads to certainty or a strong presumption of discharging one's obligation.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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