Can you explain Verse eighteen (18) of Surah An Nisa? The Verse mentions we can’t make tawbah if we sin?
Answer
The Verse in question refers to those who seek repentance when they are in the throes of death. When a person begins to experience the pangs of death and begins to see the Angels, the time for tawbah has already lapsed.
The Verse does not refer to tawbah before experiencing the pangs of death.
The Verse is as follows:
“There is no tawbah for people who persist in doing evil [and do not repent] and then when death presents itself before them, he says, ‘Now I repent.’”
(Surah An Nisa, Verse: 18)
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded the following Hadith wherein Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Indeed Allah Ta’ala accepts the repentance of a slave as long as [his soul does not reach his throat]”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3537)
Also see here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar