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
فَأَتْبَعَهُمْ فِرْعَوْنُ بِجُنُودِهِۦ فَغَشِيَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْيَمِّ مَا غَشِيَهُمْ
So Pharaoh pursued them with his soldiers, and there covered them from the sea that which covered them,
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."
كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَـٰكُمْ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا۟ فِيهِ فَيَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبِى ۖ وَمَن يَحْلِلْ عَلَيْهِ غَضَبِى فَقَدْ هَوَىٰ
[Saying], "Eat from the good things with which We have provided you and do not transgress [or oppress others] therein, lest My anger should descend upon you. And he upon whom My anger descends has certainly fallen [i.e., perished]."
يَفْقَهُوا۟ قَوْلِى
That they may understand my speech.