{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 356: The Roadmap to Return [66:8]","description":"Allah says: \u201cO you who believe! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance (tawbatan nas\u016b\u1e25\u0101). Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your evil and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow.\u201d (66:8) This verse addresses believers \u2014 people already in relationship with Allah. Tawbah is not only for those far away. It is part of the ongoing life of faith. The Qur\u2019an emphasizes the quality of repentance: tawbatan nas\u016b\u1e25\u0101 \u2014 sincere, wholehearted repentance. Scholars explain the word nas\u016b\u1e25\u0101 in several ways:   A repentance done purely for Allah\u2019s sake.   A repentance that repairs what sin has torn, like stitching fabric back together.   A repentance that is complete and serious, not superficial or temporary.   Imam Ali (as) describes the depth of true repentance in Nahj al-Balagha (Saying 417). When someone said Astaghfirullah, he explained that real repentance includes six elements: remorse, firm resolve not to return, restoring the rights of others, fulfilling neglected obligations, disciplining the body that once tasted sin, and strengthening it through obedience. This is not a quick verbal exercise. It is a process of realignment. Imam Zayn al-\u2018Abidin (as), in Dua al-Tawbah (Sahifa Sajjadiyya), describes repentance that leaves no corner untouched \u2014 seeking forgiveness for major and minor sins, hidden and visible, past and recent. Reflection:   Is there a resolution I once made that has softened over time?   Is there a right I owe someone that I have been avoiding?   What small step toward sincere return can I take today?   If this reflection benefits you, subscribe, share it, and please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Loving and Living the Quran","author_url":"http:\/\/marziahassan.libsyn.com\/webpage","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40406980\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/199534940"}