What Does Real Tawbah (repentance) Mean ?
Hasan al-Basri رحمه الله said:“I do not think that Allah would punish a person to whom He has granted the ability to repent.”When he was asked why he held this view, he replied:“Who do you think granted him the ability to repent in the first place?”In other words, repentance itself is a sign that Allah’s mercy is still turned toward the servant.Righteous people are not those who never commit sins; rather, righteous people are those who repel evil with goodness. Whenever a sin occurs, instead of sinking into despair, they increase their effort in doing good. This attitude weakens sin and strengthens righteousness.It is also a reality that such reminders often do not have a long-lasting effect on their own. For this reason, emotional remorse alone is not sufficient; knowledge is necessary. Knowledge restrains a person from sins, because we are constantly affected by our environment, and knowledge is what cleanses the heart and mind again, just as dirt is washed away.If a person is truly serious and seeks lasting reform rather than a temporary emotional surge, then he must attach himself to knowledge. For such continuity, books, study, and understanding are essential.Finally, it is very important to regard remorse as a blessing. Remorse is not a weakness; it is the doorway back to Allah. A heart that feels remorse is still alive, and it is a heart upon which work and reform can still be done.If you are genuinely serious, I can suggest books that help with purification of the heart, steadfastness in repentance, and understanding the self (nafs).