At-Tawwabba as one of the ninety-nine names of God comes from the root word Taba which means “to repent; turn one’s self in a repentant manner, turn with mercy.” (Omar)
Tawwab itself means “Oft –Returning with mercy and compassion.” It implies that God will turn back towards the repentant believer who has done wrong against his/her own soul.
Oft Returning in the Quran
The Quran is saturated with verses detailing God’s forgiveness of sins and transgressions. There is also a distinction between sins and criminal acts. Sins are those things that one does against his/her own soul such as forgetting prayer or unkindness to others. However criminal acts are punishable in any criminal court of law; such as rape and murder.
Of the sins that one commits the below verses from the Quran shed some light on how God deals with such transgressions.
“We said: "O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression." Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time." Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.“ (Quran 2:35-37)
The key here to this particular verse is that it shows no indication that Adam was repentant to God. It is implied but there is nothing to show he actually did. Implications here are that although Adam apparently did repent to God it is not necessary for one to repent in order for God to forgive. God knows what is in our hearts and forgives again and again whom He pleases.
Also differing from the Judeo-Christian version, Adam is not cursed nor are humans a by-product of Adam’s sin. Each and every human is born pure and innocent in Islam and responsible for his own sins and transgressions. In Islam it may be the results of a criminal act or a sinful deed that may rob descendants of some benefits like family wealth or good health. But descendants are not cursed down throughout generations.
Repenting to God
Yet repentance is encouraged by God and becomes the duty of every pious believer.
“…Truly Allah … guideth to Himself those who turn to Him in penitence, those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (Quran 13:27-28)
However when a Muslim finds him or herself in need of repentance she/he has but to taubah, turn to God in penitence. This penitence involves performing the Taubah salat. This prayer is composed of two rakah (one rakah equals standing, bowing and prostrating). It should be performed with sincerity, humility and accuracy.
In such a prayer the heart finds satisfaction with the promise of God to return. The Quran does indeed state that God will return without a doubt. The soul does indeed feel lighter as if a heavy burden has been removed.
Forgiving each other
One of the most important things in Islam is to forgive each other. It is a shame that in some countries where women are harmed for the tiniest infractions and men are canned or killed for no more than consuming alcohol. The Quran gives no authority for these harsh treatments. The Quran is the first and primary source of Islamic Law.
Muslims should emulate the Quran and the names of God. We should put them into practice within our everyday life. The Quran gives us a civilized demeanor. A harsh punishment for sins is not condoned by the Quran, and such treatment of woman and others exposes the barbarism lying dormant in the heart.
Any who would consider harming those who have committed sins (non societal crimes) should remember this verse from the Quran
“…O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 39:53)
As such, Muslims should be ready to forgive instead of ready to punish or destroy a life.
Sources:
Abdullah Yusef Ali, The Holy Quran; With Arabic Text.
Abdul Mannan Omar, Dictionary of The Holy Quran.
Khalil Green - Khalil Green has obtained a Bachelors Degree with Departmental Honors in Religious Studies from Washburn University in Topeka Ks. His ...
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