Q: Is there repentance for major sins? How can one repent as regards major sins and vile deeds? If I committed a major sin or a vile deed and then repented and gave it up, would my repentance be accepted or not? (Part No. 24; Page No. 339

A: repentance is accepted for both minor and major sins such as polytheism, disbelief, and taking a life unjustly. This is because Allah (Exalted be He) states: Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven. Allah (Exalted be He) also states: Say: "O ‘Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh: verily, Allâh forgives all sins. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Scholars unanimously agree that the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) mentioned above was revealed for those who repent of their sins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Islam wipes out all that has gone before it (previous misdeeds). And penitence also wipes out all that has gone before it. Three conditions must be fulfilled for repentance to be accepted: First: Giving up the sin as a form of fearing Allah and glorifying Him Second: Resolving not to commit such sin again Third: Feeling regret for what one had doneIf the sin is oppression of another, the person's right must be returned and the sinner must ask his forgiveness. If one has backbitten another and one cannot ask a person to forgive him, one has to repent of such sin and speak well of the person whom he had previously backbitten. (Part No. 24; Page No. 340) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.