Repentance — the door that stays open
Tawbah as taught by al-Ghazali. The conditions. The invitation.
About 25 minutes of listening
Book 31: The Book of Repentance
Imam al-Ghazali · Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din
Al-Ghazali opens the fourth quarter — The Saving Virtues — with repentance (tawbah), the first station on the path to Allah. He examines its conditions, its inner reality, and the swift changes of the heart.
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From Repentance.
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"Repentance is made obligatory and fruitful, accompanied by the resolve and subsequent action. It is said that repentance is the melting of the inner being due to past mistakes. In terms of abandonment, it was said that repentance is the removal of the garment of betrayal and the spreading of the carpet of loyalty. Sahl ibn Abdullah al-Tustari said repentance is replacing blameworthy behaviors with commendable actions, which can only be achieved through seclusion, silence, and consuming what is lawful."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 31: The Book of Repentance
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"Often, repentance is specifically attributed to the feeling of regret, with knowledge considered a precursor and abandonment as the ultimate fruit and outcome. In this respect, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "Regret is repentance." Explanation of the Necessity and Virtue of Repentance: Repentance is made obligatory and fruitful, accompanied by the resolve and subsequent action."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 31: The Book of Repentance
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"This amount suffices in detailing the sins from which repentance must be complete. The third pillar in the completion of repentance, its conditions, and its continuation until the end of life. We have mentioned that repentance is an expression of remorse that leads to resolve and intention. This remorse comes from the knowledge that sins are a barrier between the sinner and their beloved."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 31: The Book of Repentance