Shaykh al-Islām was asked:

What is the meaning of Allah Most High’s words,

“Allah has certainly turned in mercy to the Prophet, the Emigrants, and the Helpers,”

and the remainder of the verse? Repentance concerns something a servant has done, whereas the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is protected from major and minor sins.

Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah replied:

Praise be to Allah. The prophets, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them, are protected from being allowed to persist in sins, whether major or minor. Through the repentance that Allah has related concerning them, He raises their ranks and increases their good deeds. Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves. Repentance is not a deficiency; rather, it is among the highest forms of perfection. It is obligatory upon all people, as Allah Most High says:

“And man undertook it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant.”

“So that Allah may punish the hypocrites, men and women, and the polytheists, men and women, and turn in mercy to the believers, men and women.”

Thus, the ultimate aim of every believer is repentance. Repentance, moreover, takes different forms, as expressed in the saying: “The good deeds of the righteous are the sins of those brought near to Allah.”

Allah Most High has told us of repentance and seeking forgiveness among the prophets generally—Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others. Adam said: