Is repentance obligatory for someone who unintentionally commits a sin, such as prolonged gazing?
A Muslim is not held accountable for what they do out of forgetfulness or error, based on the Almighty’s saying: "Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake," and His saying: "And there is no blame upon you for that in which you have erred, but [only for] what your hearts intended," and the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Indeed, Allah has overlooked for my nation mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are forced to do."
However, repentance is always commanded for the servant, because it is the cause of a person’s success, and because a servant is never free from shortcomings. Allah has commanded all believers to do so, saying: "And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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