Ways for Repentance and Compensation
In the verses of the Quran and Hadiths, there are recommendations on how to make up for sins and wrongdoings. Following are some of these recommendations:
1- Giving alms and helping others covertly
The Holy Quran says: “If you reveal your charity it is good, but to give charity to the poor in private is better and will acquit you from some of your evil deeds. Allah is Knowledgeable of what you do.” (Verse 271 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
2- Hijrah (migration) and Jihad
God says in Verse 195 of Surah Al-Imran: “Their Lord answered their prayers saying, ‘I do not neglect anyone's labor whether the laborer be male or female. You are all related to one another. Those who migrated from Mecca, those who were expelled from their homes, those who were tortured for My cause, and those who fought and were killed for My cause will find their sins expiated by Me and I will admit them into the gardens wherein streams flow. It will be their reward from God Who grants the best rewards.’”
3- Staying away from Kabeera (grave sins or major sins)
According to Verse 31 of Surah An-Nisa, “If you avoid the major sins that are forbidden to you, We shall pardon your evil deeds and admit you by an entrance of honor.”
Grave sins are those that the Quran has warned will bring about punishment or that Hadiths or intellect consider big sins. They include revealing Muslims’ secrets, spying for unbelievers, etc.
4- Doing good deeds
The Quran says in Verse 114 of Surah Hud: “Good deeds will repel evil deeds. That is a remembrance for those who remember.”
So Islam urges us to do good to make up for bad deeds as good deeds thwart the effects of bad deeds in this world and the next.
5- Lending and giving loans
God says in Verse 17 of Surah At-Taghabun: “If you lend a good loan to Allah He will multiply it for you and will forgive you. Allah is the Thankful, the Clement.”
6- Taqwa (God-fearing)
God says in Verse 29 of Surah Al-Anfal: “Believers, if you fear God, He will give you guidance, will expiate your bad deeds and forgive you. God's favors are the greatest.”
7- Seeking others’ prayers
In addition to one’s own regret and repentance, what can bring about God’s forgiveness is others’ praying for him and for his forgiveness.
