Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

It is narrated from Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) regarding the incident of Ifk, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "(After praise and glorification) O Aisha! Such things have reached me concerning you. Indeed, you are one of the daughters of Adam. If you are innocent (and chaste), then soon Allah, the Exalted, will declare your innocence. But if you have committed a sin, then seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance. Surely, when a servant confesses his sin and turns to Allah, Allah also accepts his repentance." And in another narration: "Indeed, expressing remorse (over a sin) is repentance from it."