Since the creation of our beloved prophet Adam (peace be upon him), sinners have been born from mankind to this day and until the end of time. Liars, cheaters, murderers, thieves, or more generally speaking, law breakers of the word of God have always existed, and I am the first to confess to the truth in this statement of accusation against the sons of Adam. I have done wrong in my life; acts and deeds that have proved to work against my favor in time. Subhan Allah, how true it is that we – sons of Adam – oppress ourselves, and how Allah is free from such oppression upon His slaves.

 ذَلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ يَدَاكَ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ لَيْسَ بِظَلَّامٍ لِلْعَبِيدِ

That is because of what your hands have sent forth, and verily, Allâh is not unjust to (His) slaves. (Al-Hajj 22:10)

It is true that there are evil forces surrounding us to ensure our failure on remaining steadfast as good Muslims in this life. It is also true that our personal desires make us feel weak, weak enough to act on impulse to satisfy a craving or a hunger. What is important is that we acknowledge wrongdoing, we repent, we struggle, and learn from our mistakes.

كل بني آدم خطاء ، وخير الخطائين التوابون

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: All of the sons of Adam sin, the best of the sinners are those who repent.

We have all done wrong in this life, whether it be by hurting people in this life, or hurting yourself, we will all be asked regarding our deeds in this life. The important question is whether we’ve sought out forgiveness firstly from Allah, and secondly from those we’ve committed wrong against. Although there is great reward in forgiving our brothers and sisters for their shortcomings, some of us may feel too much anger and resentment to do so, but surely Allah the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful, never tires from forgiving His slaves so long as they do not associate with Him in worship.

I ask Allah to forgive me for any wrong I’ve committed against Him, and to forgive me for any type of oppression I may have done upon myself and my fellow brothers and sisters in humanity. Ameen…

I ask Allah to soften the hearts of those upset with me so that they may find it in their hearts to forgive me for any wrongdoing I may have committed against them. Ameen…