Q: I listened to a tape of an Islamic lecture by one of the shayks, who said that it is obligatory on Muslims to sit by themselves for an hour with their Lord to supplicate to Him and make Tawbah (repentance to Allah). (Part No. 24; Page No. 305)  And, if they cry and tears flow down during this time, they will know that Allah has accepted their Tawbah, but if they do not cry, Allah has not accepted it from them. Is this true? May Allah reward you with the best!

A: Crying tears through fear and awe of Allah (Exalted be He) and reverential submission to Him is one of the characteristics of the faithful believers. Praising those who cry through fear of Him, Allah (Exalted be He) says: And when they (who call themselves Christians) listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised. Also, it is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There are two eyes that shall not be touched by the Fire: an eye that weeps through fear of Allah and an eye that spends the night guarding in the Cause of Allah.” However, it is not a condition for the soundness of Tawbah to cry, the conditions are: giving up the sin, feeling regret for having committed it, and resolving never to return to it. Also, if the sin involved a violation of someone’s right, their right has to be restored to them. (Part No. 24; Page No. 306) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.