Because of the nature of man, however, a second step is always possible. Man often yields to the law of immediate and easy pleasures. We must, therefore, strike the right balance between fearing Allah s punishment and expecting his forgiveness and reward. We should always include in our supplication a prayer that Allah forgives us our sins, even the smallest among them and accept our good deeds and render them pure and dedicated to His cause. If we do that and balance our hopes against our fear, then Allah will surely forgive us, if He wills.
Some people tend to think little of their chances of being forgiven.
They imagine that their sins are too great to be forgiven by Allah. They are always in fear of His punishment. When one believes so, Allah abandons him to his beliefs, which are erroneous in the sense that they do not recognize that Allah s mercy is always available. It can wipe away the sins of even the most hardened of sinners. There is only one thing which Allah will never forgive, namely, ascribing divinity to other beings and associating partners with Him.