وَمَن تَابَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًا فَإِنَّهُۥ يَتُوبُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَتَابًا 71
Translations
And he who repents and does righteousness does indeed turn to Allāh with [accepted] repentance.
Transliteration
Wa man taba wa 'amila salihan fa-innahu yatoobu ilallahi mataba
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah conveys that whoever repents from sin and performs righteous deeds will indeed return to Allah with a complete and acceptable repentance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that true tawbah (repentance) must be accompanied by righteous action, not merely words, and that Allah accepts the repentance of those who sincerely turn back to Him. Al-Qurtubi notes that 'mataba' (a good return/repentance) indicates that such repentance is perfected and accepted by Allah, offering hope to all who genuinely seek His forgiveness.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Furqan's discussion of the characteristics of the servants of Allah and their spiritual journey. It comes in the context of verses addressing repentance and righteousness, providing reassurance that sincere repentance coupled with good deeds leads to acceptance by Allah, offering hope to those who have strayed.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'All the children of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also related: 'Verily Allah loves those who repent' (Sahih Muslim 2099), emphasizing that repentance combined with righteous action is beloved to Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that no one is beyond redemption—as long as one sincerely repents and follows it with righteous action, Allah's forgiveness is guaranteed. For modern believers, it provides comfort that past mistakes need not define one's future, and that genuine repentance paired with positive change opens the door to divine mercy.