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
جَنَّـٰتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ جَزَآءُ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ
Gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. And that is the reward of one who purifies himself.
كَذَٰلِكَ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ مَا قَدْ سَبَقَ ۚ وَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَـٰكَ مِن لَّدُنَّا ذِكْرًا
Thus, [O Muḥammad], We relate to you from the news of what has preceded. And We have certainly given you from Us a message [i.e., the Qur’ān].
فَتَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۗ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُقْضَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُۥ ۖ وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًا
So high [above all] is Allāh, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muḥammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur’ān before its revelation is completed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase me in knowledge."
قَالَ فَٱذْهَبْ فَإِنَّ لَكَ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ أَن تَقُولَ لَا مِسَاسَ ۖ وَإِنَّ لَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَّن تُخْلَفَهُۥ ۖ وَٱنظُرْ إِلَىٰٓ إِلَـٰهِكَ ٱلَّذِى ظَلْتَ عَلَيْهِ عَاكِفًا ۖ لَّنُحَرِّقَنَّهُۥ ثُمَّ لَنَنسِفَنَّهُۥ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ نَسْفًا
[Moses] said, "Then go. And indeed, it is [decreed] for you in [this] life to say, 'No contact.' And indeed, you have an appointment [in the Hereafter] you will not fail to keep. And look at your 'god' to which you remained devoted. We will surely burn it and blow it [i.e., its ashes] into the sea with a blast.