وَإِنِّى لَغَفَّارٌ لِّمَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًا ثُمَّ ٱهْتَدَىٰ 82
Translations
But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.
Transliteration
Wa-inni la-ghaffārun li-man tāba wa-āmana wa-'amila sāliḥan thumma-htadā
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah affirms His attribute of being the Greatest Forgiver (Al-Ghaffār) for those who meet four conditions: repentance (tawbah), belief (īmān), righteous deeds ('amal sāliḥ), and steadfastness in guidance (hidāyah). Classical scholars like Al-Qurṭubī emphasize that these conditions work together—true repentance must be accompanied by faith and good works, not merely words. This ayah demonstrates that despite human weakness and sin, Allah's mercy is boundless for the sincere penitent.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Taha, revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period. It comes after the story of Moses and Pharaoh, emphasizing themes of repentance and divine mercy. The surah's broader message addresses the Prophet Muhammad and believers about perseverance and faith despite opposition, with this verse serving as a consolation that Allah's forgiveness is always accessible.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will forgive him' (Sahih Muslim 2703). Additionally, 'Allah loves the repentant and loves those who purify themselves' (Sunan Ibn Majah 202), emphasizing the divine pleasure in sincere tawbah.
Themes
Key Lesson
No matter how grave one's sins, sincere repentance combined with genuine faith and righteous action opens the door to Allah's infinite forgiveness. For believers today, this teaches that spiritual renewal is always possible through honest repentance, strengthened conviction, consistent good works, and commitment to remaining on the straight path.
Related Ayahs
وَٱحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِى
And untie the knot from my tongue
يَوْمَئِذٍ لَّا تَنفَعُ ٱلشَّفَـٰعَةُ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ وَرَضِىَ لَهُۥ قَوْلًا
That Day, no intercession will benefit except [that of] one to whom the Most Merciful has given permission and has accepted his word.
قَالَ عِلْمُهَا عِندَ رَبِّى فِى كِتَـٰبٍ ۖ لَّا يَضِلُّ رَبِّى وَلَا يَنسَى
[Moses] said, "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a record. My Lord neither errs nor forgets."
قَالَ ءَامَنتُمْ لَهُۥ قَبْلَ أَنْ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمْ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱلسِّحْرَ ۖ فَلَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُم مِّنْ خِلَـٰفٍ وَلَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ فِى جُذُوعِ ٱلنَّخْلِ وَلَتَعْلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَآ أَشَدُّ عَذَابًا وَأَبْقَىٰ
[Pharaoh] said, "You believed him [i.e., Moses] before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and you will surely know which of us is more severe in [giving] punishment and more enduring."