Condition: All praise is due to Allâh Ta’ala that I still
have the capacity to turn to Him and I am also inspired to
repent after committing a sin, I also experience softness of
heart.
But is repentance accepted when a person persists in
sinning (based on the Qur’ânic verse which states لم يصروا علي ما فعلوا”) that they do not persist in what they did.
I am able to cry and weep after sinning, but then still return to
sinning.
Answer: The Shar‘î definition of persistence (isrâr) is this:
الاقامة على القبيح بدون الستغفار والتوبة
“Remaining constant on sin without seeking forgiveness and without
repentance.”
After committing a sin, if you are inspired with repentance,
turning to Allâh Ta’ala, remorse, softness of the heart, and
determination to lead a pious life, then – inshâ Allâh – you are
not included among those who persist in sinning.
At the time of
repentance, it is also necessary to make a firm resolution that
you are not going to commit this sin in the future. Furthermore,
at the time of repentance you must not have the intention of
breaking your repentance in the future.
Solutions to spiritual maladies - Hazrat Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saab (Rahimahullah)