The God Who Forgives
I do not live a sinless life.
None of us do. But my Rabb (my Lord)—Allah—is Ar-Raḥmān, Ar-Raḥeem… the Most Merciful, the One who Forgives and Pardons whom He wills.
He does not expect perfection.
What He asks for is sincerity. A heart that turns back. A soul that recognizes its flaws but does not despair. One that calls out to Him alone—without partners, without pride.
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
(Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ 112:1–4)
This is tawḥīd—the foundation of Islam. That we worship Allah alone, with full submission, and trust His justice and mercy. He forgives all sins—except one:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, but He forgives anything else for whomever He wills.”
(Surah An-Nisā’ 4:48)
This isn’t harsh. It’s divine justice. Because how can we ask the One who created us for forgiveness, while worshiping something else?
And yet, even for those who have sinned—again and again—He remains near. Forgiving. Waiting.
“Call upon Me, and I will respond to you.” (Surah Ghāfir 40:60)
“Do not despair of the mercy of Allah… Indeed, He forgives all sins.” (Surah Ghāfir 39:53)
One of the most beautiful verses that reminds me of His power and care is Āyat al-Kursī:
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.
Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep.
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth.
Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?
He knows what is before them and what will be after them,
but they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He wills.
His Kursī extends over the heavens and the earth,
and their preservation does not tire Him.
And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” (2:255)
I carry these verses in my heart as a reminder that I don’t have to be perfect—I just have to be sincere.
The question is not, “Have you sinned?”
The real question is: Have you turned back?
“Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?”
(Surah Ar-Raḥmān 55:13)
Alḥamdulillāh for the God who forgives.
Alḥamdulillāh for the mercy of Islam.
And Alḥamdulillāh for the invitation to return—again and again—with a heart seeking His pleasure.
