Repentance is Sufficient

Fatwas of Ibn Baz

 (Part No. 5; Page No. 428)

Q: I am 29 years old. I began performing Salah (prayer) when I was 24. All praise is due to Allah, Who guided me to make up for the Salah I missed since the age of fifteen. Some people said that it is not obligatory on me to make up for the Salah I missed and that repentance is enough. Others said that I must perform them. Please advise.

T.B. Algeria

A: The preponderant opinion is that it is not obligatory on you to make up for the Salah you missed. It is enough for you to declare sincere repentance, which is followed by regretting the misdeed, performing Salah regularly, and having strong determination not to commit this sin again.

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven. Allah (Glorified be He) also says:  And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful Allah (Glorified be He) also says:  O you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also says:   Islam and repentance obliterate one's past sins  He (peace be upon him) says:  He who repents from his sins is like the one who did not commit a sin. There are many Ayahs (Qur'anic verses)

(Part No. 5; Page No. 429)

and Hadiths to that effect.

We implore Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to grant you understanding of Islam and steadfastness on the truth. We advise you to accompany good friends and avoid wicked ones. May Allah accept your repentance and endow you and us with a good end!

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