public gatherings, and then says, “I have repented to Allah.” We reply, “Go to him and ask that he release you from liability so that your repentance may benefit you.” We stipulate this only when the person is aware that you backbit him; if he does not know, there is no need to inform him. Rather, praise him in the gatherings where you once vilified him, and seek Allah’s forgiveness for him.

4 – Firm resolve never to return. One must not claim to repent while planning to sin again the moment a chance presents itself; that is no repentance at all. He must make a definite resolution never to revert to the offence.

5 – Repentance must occur while it can still be accepted, that is, before death arrives or before the sun rises from the west. If he delays until death confronts him, the repentance will be of no avail.

From this we understand that repentance is obligatory immediately, with no postponement, for a person does not know when death may strike unexpectedly. He must therefore remain prepared. We ask Allah, exalted be He, to grant us and you repentance and to take our souls while we are steadfast in faith.