Will Allah forgive one who apostatizes from and blasphemes Islam, and then repents? What must happen for such a person to rejoin the ummah?
Question
About a year ago I, being young and arrogant, declared myself an atheist. I became involved with a group of atheists online, and I shamelessly blasphemed Allah (swt), Islam, the holy Qur'an, Muhammad (saw), and his companions (ra) in the most disgusting and perverse manner. I did everything I could think of to ridicule Islam in their and my own eyes. I wish only to forget the abominable things I wrote. I can blame nobody but myself for it. Nobody led me astray. It was I who sought out evil books and ideas and unbelieving friends, and I who decided to pursue them to my ruin. Yes, blasphemy against all religions is extremely widespread in this country (the United States), but I have no excuse. I know that such things render one a riddah and a kafir, which deserve death. I know I deserve nothing better than hellfire, and in fact I am terrified at the prospect, yet I pray earnestly that Allah will forgive me my apostasy. I do not deserve to be called a Muslim sister; I do not deserve to be greeted with "Asalaamu alaikum." I am too ashamed to go to the masjid, even though nobody else knows of my deeds. I say Shahada with my whole heart every day, and I pray and fast, but I do not know if Allah (swt) will accept these things from me. What shall I do to repent?
Answer
Allah is Most Gracious and Most Merciful. He says in the Noble Qur'aan, 'Oh My Slaves! Do not despair. Verily Allah will forgive all sins.' In one Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said, 'If a person has sins equivalent to the foams of the sea and pebbles on a desert, Allah's mercy is so encompassing that He will forgive every sin.' In another narration, it is mentioned that Allah will speak secretly to one of His slaves on the day of Qiyaamat and remind him of all his sins. After the person will confess his sins, Allah will say to him, 'I concealed your faults in the world, today too, I will conceal your faults. Go in Jannah, I have forgiven you.'
The above mentioned are few of many Ahaadith explaining the extent of Allah's Mercy. However, Allah says, 'Verily Allah will not forgive a person who ascribe partners (commit Shirk) with Him.' The only sin that is unforgivable is Kufr (disbelief) and Shirk (ascribing partners). Accepting Islam is the only atonement for the sin of Kufr and Shirk.
If one fulfils the conditions of repentance, i.e. regret and make firm intention to reform, then surely Allah Ta'ala is Tawwaab (Most Forgiving)
Sister your regret is a sincere sign of your repentance. There were many people, men and women, who made derogative statements against Islam and the Prophet during the time of the Prophet. When they repented they were forgiven. The Quran says, Do not despair, I (Allah) will forgive every sin besides shirk.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.
- Answered by
- Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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