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
قَالَ رَبُّنَا ٱلَّذِىٓ أَعْطَىٰ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ خَلْقَهُۥ ثُمَّ هَدَىٰ
He said, "Our Lord is He who gave each thing its form and then guided [it]."
فَلَا يَصُدَّنَّكَ عَنْهَا مَن لَّا يُؤْمِنُ بِهَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ فَتَرْدَىٰ
So do not let one avert you from it who does not believe in it and follows his desire, for you [then] would perish.
قَالُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَـٰذَٰنِ لَسَـٰحِرَٰنِ يُرِيدَانِ أَن يُخْرِجَاكُم مِّنْ أَرْضِكُم بِسِحْرِهِمَا وَيَذْهَبَا بِطَرِيقَتِكُمُ ٱلْمُثْلَىٰ
They said, "Indeed, these are two magicians who want to drive you out of your land with their magic and do away with your most exemplary way [i.e., religion or tradition].
أَنِ ٱقْذِفِيهِ فِى ٱلتَّابُوتِ فَٱقْذِفِيهِ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ فَلْيُلْقِهِ ٱلْيَمُّ بِٱلسَّاحِلِ يَأْخُذْهُ عَدُوٌّ لِّى وَعَدُوٌّ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِّنِّى وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِىٓ
[Saying], 'Cast him into the chest and cast it into the river, and the river will throw it onto the bank; there will take him an enemy to Me and an enemy to him.' And I bestowed upon you love from Me that you would be brought up under My eye [i.e., observation and care].