Can a Late Start in Practicing Islam Qualify for Shade of Allah’s Throne Despite Past Sins?

Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Question

Does starting to practice Islam at 17-18 qualify one for the youth shaded by Allah’s Throne? Do past sins affect this status?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

17-18 is a time of youth (shabab) corresponding to the word used in the narration regarding the shade of Allah’s throne.

“Youth who were raised in the worship of Allah” does connote obedience of Allah Most High, but does not mean that one must be sinless to attain this merit.

If one sins and repents from their sin, their sins are erased and removed from their scrolls. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“One who repents from a sin has no sin.” [Ibn Maja]

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.

There, he completed the memorization of the Quran and his study of Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study, he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others.

Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.