وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُوا۟ فَـٰحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسْتَغْفَرُوا۟ لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَن يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُوا۟ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ 135
Translations
And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allāh and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allāh? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.
Transliteration
Wa alladhīna idhā fa'alū fāhishatun aw ẓalamū anfusahum dhkarū Allāha fa'staghfarū lidhunūbihim wa man yaghfiru aldhunūba illā Allāhu wa lam yuṣirrū 'alā mā fa'alū wa hum ya'lamūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the characteristics of the righteous believers (al-muttaqūn) who, when they commit a sin or wrong themselves, immediately remember Allah and seek His forgiveness, knowing that only Allah can forgive sins. Al-Qurtubī emphasizes that the key distinction is their refusal to persist in sin with full knowledge—they don't stubbornly continue after recognizing the wrongness of their actions. This ayah highlights the complete cycle of sin, repentance, and reformation as a defining quality of those who fear Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ali 'Imran (Chapter 3), revealed in Medina, and appears within a passage (3:133-136) that describes the qualities of the righteous (al-muttaqūn) and those who spend in charity and seek Allah's forgiveness. The broader context emphasizes the attributes of believers and their path to Paradise, establishing spiritual standards for the Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'All of the children of Adam commit sin, and the best of those who commit sin are those who repent' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, classified as Hasan). Also relevant: 'Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will accept their repentance' (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
The ayah teaches believers that falling into sin is human, but what matters most is immediate recognition, sincere repentance, and firm resolve not to repeat the transgression—this cycle of accountability and return to Allah is a cornerstone of spiritual growth and pleasing to the Lord.