How Do I Repent for My Sin as a Young Teenager?
Answered by Ustada Shazia Ahmad
Question
When I was 14 years old, I touched my cousin in a bad way while she was sleeping. She is not aware of what I did, but now I regret this because I started to become a good Muslim and I suddenly realized that I committed a very inhuman sin, what can I do now to get rid of these sins, as I have repented many times?
Answer
Despair
You should never despair because Allah forgives all sins. There have been many sinners before you and those who have done far worse. Find solace in this Quranic verse. Allah Most High says, “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” [Quran, 39:53]
“The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.” [Ibn Maja]
Do good
You must channel your guilt and sadness into fulfilling your obligations to Allah Most High and seeking to gain closeness to Him. Act on your urges in the optimal way, by seeking marriage when the time is right. Pray the Prayer of Need, make du`a at tahajjud time, and take out time to learn Sacred Knowledge and develop your Islam. Devote yourself entirely to Allah and you will come to love what He loves and hate what He hates.
Please see these links as well:
[Ustada] Shazia Ahmad
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
