Is It Pathetic To Believe That Allah’s Mercy Is Greater Than One’s Sins?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Am I pathetic to believe that Allah’s mercy is so great and one shouldn’t despair, when making dua for protection from the consequences of my own sins and actions? For a second chance or a miracle?

Answer

Thank you for your question. You are certainly not pathetic for believing that Allah’s mercy encompasses your sins, but rather, be grateful and rejoice in having a merciful Lord.

Despair

Allah Most High doesn’t ask believers to despair from their sins, but rather he encourages them to repent. He told us in His book, “Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Quran, 39:53]

Mercy

Also, remember that each and every one of the believers will enter Paradise out of Allah’s mercy. ‘Aisha narrated that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and receive good news because one’s good deeds will not make him enter Paradise. They asked, ‘Even you, O Allah’s Messenger?‘ He said, ‘Even I, unless and until Allah bestows His pardon and Mercy on me.‘“ [Bukhari]

Please see these links for more detail:
What Should I Do If I Am Overwhelmed By My Sins?
My Fear of the Grave Overwhelms Me With Despair
Does Sincere Repentance Eradicate Sin?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, 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.