Repentance of One Suffering From a Terminal Disease
Question:
A man committed many sins. He is suffering from a severe illness and has tried treatment to no avail. The doctors have told him that they have no cure for his problem. Now he regrets his past and wants to repent. Does his repentance count now that he is suffering from this terminal illness from which he has no hope of a cure?
Answer:
Praise be to Allah.
Yes, the repentance of a man who does not hope to live for long does count. This applies whether he has an incurable illness such as cancer; or he has been sentenced to death, such as a man who has been brought out for execution, even if the sword is being raised above his head; or a married man who has committed adultery and been sentenced to stoning, even if the stones have already been gathered. His repentance is valid, because Allah accepts the repentance of a man so long as the death rattle has not yet reached his throat. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards; it is they to whom Allah will forgive, and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise.” [4:17]
The meaning of the phrase “and repent soon afterwards” means that they repent before they die.
In the following ayah (verse), Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: ‘Now I repent;’…”[ 4:18]
There are five essential conditions for repentance: sincerity, regret for what one has done, giving it up immediately, determination not to repeat it in the future, and repenting during the time when repentance will be accepted, i.e., before one dies or before the sun rises in the west.
Liqa’ al-Baab al-Maftooh by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 53/73.
Stunningly beautiful adhaan from the Dome of the Rock in Masjid ul Aqsa Download (right click and choose "save target/link as").
This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is only One God, and that those of understanding may take heed (14:52)
Indeed Allah knows, and you know not (16: 74, part)
Yes, he should repent. Allah is most merciful. He doesn't want people going to Hell. Satan on the other hand does, therefore he always tries to keep a person away from repenting. When you have a long life ahead of you, Satan tells you there's plenty of time to repent and do good deeds; there's no need to do it right now. Then when you're old or dying, he tries to keep you from repenting by discouraging you with words such as, 'look at your past. you've lived a life of sin. your repentance won't count.' etc etc.
I have also read (and subsequently informed) that these people also could be asked to make a dua for us. That Allah is more likely to grant the dua of people who are sick or wronged.
Hence it is always advised to visit the sick and ask them to make dua for you.
Hey there! Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
When you create an account, we remember exactly what you've read, so you always come right back where you left off. You also get notifications, here and via email, whenever new posts are made. And you can like posts and share your thoughts. Sign Up
Hide
Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
Bookmarks