How do I repent of sins, and are seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and repentance (Tawbah) different? Are the conditions for proper repentance fulfilled by verbal utterance alone, or by inner conviction? And is an inner resolve, without uttering words of seeking forgiveness, a requirement for repentance?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Repentance is an act of the heart, and its conditions reside within the heart, whereas seeking forgiveness (istighfar) is an act of the tongue. Seeking forgiveness may accompany repentance, which is of the highest ranks, or seeking forgiveness may occur without repentance, in which case it is a form of supplication and may be a cause for forgiveness by the grace of Allah.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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