Sincere Repentance from Two Major Sins Before Ramadan
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (حفظه الله)
As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, we must cleanse our hearts and sincerely repent from our sins.
This is the sacred month in which the mercies of Allah ﷻ descend in abundance.
However, if two major sins—Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and severing family ties—still remain within us, they can become the greatest obstacle to the acceptance of our worship.
❖ Hadith Regarding the Hindrance to Forgiveness
As mentioned in Sahih Muslim, the deeds of the servants are presented before Allah ﷻ every Monday and Thursday, but two types of people are not forgiven:
◄ Those involved in Shirk.
◄ Those who sever family ties.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"People’s deeds are presented before Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and every person is forgiven who does not associate anything with Allah, except for the one who has severed ties with a relative. It is said: 'Hold back both of them until they reconcile.'”
(Sahih Muslim: 2565)
➊ Severing Ties – A Sin That Shuts the Gates of Paradise
Have we ever considered that if we live in anger, resentment, or with a broken relationship with a close relative, our worship may be rejected?
Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:
"And those who break the covenant they made with Allah after it has been made binding, and cut the ties that Allah has commanded to be maintained, and spread corruption on earth—for them is the curse, and for them is the evil home (Hellfire).”
(Surat ar-Ra’d: 25)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The one who severs family ties will not enter Paradise."
(Sahih Bukhari: 5984, Sahih Muslim: 2556)
Think about it:
❖ The gates of Paradise are closed!
Are we willing to risk such a great loss?
If not, then let us purify our hearts today, break our egos, and restore our family relationships, for Allah ﷻ loves those who join ties, not those who sever them.
➋ Shirk – The Greatest Unforgivable Sin
Shirk is the one sin about which Allah ﷻ has clearly stated that He will never forgive it if one dies without repenting from it.
Allah ﷻ says:
"Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills."
(Surat an-Nisa: 48)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The greatest wrongdoer on the Day of Judgment will be the one who associated partners with Allah, though Allah created him alone."
(Sahih Bukhari: 4497)
Sometimes, we unknowingly fall into Shirk by using amulets, seeking help from saints or shrines, or attributing power to others besides Allah.
We must immediately repent from such actions.
If a person dies while involved in shirk, no forgiveness awaits them.
❖ It's Time to Wake Up!
Ramadan is coming—are our acts of worship being wasted?
We may fast, pray nawafil, and recite the Qur’an, but if these two sins still dwell in us, what benefit will it bring?
Allah ﷻ will not accept our worship.
❖ Reflect Deeply:
◄ Do we want to ruin our worship with our own hands?
◄ Do we want to be deprived of acceptance in Ramadan?
Allah ﷻ has given us the opportunity to correct ourselves. Let us repent sincerely today:
✔ Call those relatives with whom you have a rift—reconcile and cleanse your heart.
✔ Abandon every form of shirk—rely only on Allah and firmly uphold true monotheism (Tawheed).
✔ Cry before Allah ﷻ and beg for His forgiveness, so He may purify us from these sins.
❖ Supplication
"يَا اللَّهُ! هَبْ لَنَا تَوْفِيقَ التَّوْبَةِ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا، وَطَهِّرْ قُلُوبَنَا، وَوَفِّقْنَا لِنَيْلِ بَرَكَاتِ رَمَضَانَ. آمِينَ!"
O Allah! Grant us the ability to repent, forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and bless us to attain the blessings of Ramadan. Ameen!
