I once made a promise secretly to Allah. Then I broke it. What is the method for repentance?

Question

I promised to Allah I would refrain from a bad deed (masturbation), but then I did it once, then 7 more times over the course of a few months. I really want to stop. How can I repent- do I have to fast three days for breaking a promise, or do I have to fast 24 days, since I broke the promise 8 times? Did the original promise still stand after I broke it the first time, or was the promise void after the first time I broke it? How should I repent for this evil? Please answer in detail about every point of this question. Jazak Allak Khair.

for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

Kindly refer attached, 'Masturbation'.

Allah is Most Gracious and Most Merciful. He says in the Noble Qur'aan, 'Oh My Slaves! Do not despair. Verily Allah will forgive all sins.'

In one Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said, 'If a person has sins equivalent to the foams of the sea and pebbles on a desert, Allah's mercy is so encompassing that He will forgive every sin.' In another narration, it is mentioned that Allah will speak secretly to one of His slaves on the day of Qiyaamat and remind him of all his sins. After the person will confess his sins, Allah will say to him, 'I concealed your faults in the world, today too, I will conceal your faults. Go in Jannah, I have forgiven you.'

The above mentioned are few of many Ahaadith explaining the extent of Allah's Mercy. However, Allah says, 'Verily Allah will not forgive a person who ascribe partners (commit Shirk) with Him.' The only sin that is unforgivable is Kufr (disbelief) and Shirk (ascribing partners). Accepting Islam is the only atonement for the sin of Kufr and Shirk.

If one fulfils the conditions of repentance, i.e. regret and make firm intention to reform, then surely Allah Ta'ala is Tawwaab (Most Forgiving)

You should renew your Tawbah and again make a firm intention never to repeat the sin.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Moulana Imraan Vawda / Mufti Muhammad Kadwa

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