with it] (1), though a person may repent [without supplicating] (2), and may supplicate without repenting. It is recorded in the two Sahih collections from Abū Hurayra—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—related that his Lord, Mighty and Majestic, said:
“A servant committed (3) a sin and said, ‘O Allah, forgive me my sin.’ Allah, Blessed and Exalted, said, ‘My servant committed a sin and knew that he has a Lord who forgives sin and punishes for sin.’ Then he sinned again and said, ‘[O] (4) Lord, forgive me my sin.’ Allah, Blessed and Exalted, said, ‘My servant committed a sin and knew that he has a Lord who forgives sin and punishes for sin.’ Then he sinned again and said, ‘[O] (5) Lord, forgive me my sin.’ Allah Most High said, ‘My servant committed a sin and knew that he has a Lord who forgives sin and punishes for sin. I have forgiven My servant.’” In a version narrated by Muslim: “Let him do as he wishes.” (6)
Repentance wipes away all evil deeds. Nothing causes all sins to be forgiven except repentance, for Allah does not forgive association with Him, though He forgives anything less than that for whomever He wills.
As for repentance, Allah Most High says:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. He is truly the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’”
[Surah al-Zumar: 53]
This applies to one who repents. [For this reason, He said, “Do not despair of Allah’s mercy”; rather, repent to Him.] He then says:
“Turn in repentance to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you, after which you will not be helped.”
[Surah al-Zumar: 54]