This and similar explanations are [among the choicest interpretations] offered by those who deny (1) what the Quran establishes concerning the prophets’ repentance from their sins and their seeking forgiveness. They claim that there was no occasion for [repentance] (2) or seeking forgiveness, or for Allah to favor him by loving him, rejoicing at their repentance, and granting them forgiveness and mercy. [What, then, of the rest of their interpretations, which contain distortions of the Quran and false assertions about Allah whose full extent this is not the place to expound?] (3)

[Commentary on the Statement: “This Undermines Confidence and Drives People Away”]

As for his statement (4), “This undermines confidence and drives people away,” [this] (5) is not correct [with regard to what occurred before prophethood or what occurs by mistake. The most that can be said is that this applies to sins committed deliberately (6). In response, it is said] (7): Rather, (8) when a man of eminent standing acknowledges his need to repent, seek forgiveness, and receive Allah’s forgiveness [for him] (9) and His mercy, this demonstrates his truthfulness, humility, servitude to Allah, and freedom from arrogance and lying. This is unlike one who says, “I (10) have no need for any of this, and nothing proceeds [from me] (11) that would make me need Allah to forgive me and accept my repentance,” and who insists (12) upon everything he says and does, on the assumption (13)