Guilt

 

We all fall short. We all make mistakes.


But guilt can easily spiral — turning into shame that makes you feel unworthy, distant from Allah, stuck in the past.

Islam doesn’t dismiss guilt — it transforms it.
Through Tawba (repentance) and Rahma (mercy), Allah calls us back, again and again.

You are not beyond forgiveness. His door is always open.

 Quranic Verses For Guilt

To get the most out of these verses see the Before You Begin section

My servants who have harmed yourselves by your own excess, do not despair of God’s mercy. God forgives all sins: He is truly the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

— Az-Zumar (39:53)

 

Considered one of the most hopeful verses in the Qur’an.

A call from Allah — not to give up, not to give in.

No matter how far you’ve fallen, His mercy is greater. Always.

We shall certainly blot out the misdeeds of those who believe and do good deeds, and We shall reward them according to the best of their actions.

— Al-‘Ankabut (29:7)

 

Want forgiveness?

Allah has made the path clear: believe, do good.

He’ll wipe the slate clean and reward you for the best of your efforts.

Don’t let guilt paralyse you. Let it push you to act.

Practical Exercise To Try Today

“Make It Right” — A Guilt-to-Good-Deed Practice

Inspired by the above verse from Surah Al-‘Ankabut, here’s a simple exercise to shift from guilt into action:

  1. Name one thing you're feeling guilty about.

  2. Pray two rak’ahs of repentance (Salat al-Tawbah): sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness.

  3. Choose a regular good deed to commit to as a reminder of that turning point. For example:

    • Daily Qur’an verse

    • Volunteering for a local charity

    • Setting up a monthly sadaqah

    • Helping a friend or relative

Let it become your personal “turning point” habit — small, consistent, sincere.

Over To You - Reflection Prompts

Lasting change takes effort. It begins when you think deeply and honestly.

Choose a prompt.

Write it out. Reflect with intention.

 

Is there a guilt I’m holding onto that I haven’t yet faced?

Do I believe Allah’s forgiveness applies to me — or just to others?

What’s one step I can take today to turn back to Allah with hope, not fear?

Have I made peace with the fact that growth often begins with failure?

Am I holding onto guilt because I haven’t taken a practical step to make amends — to Allah, or to others?

Do I use my past mistakes as a reason to give up, or as a reason to grow closer to Allah?

Recommended Resource

 

Du’as for Forgiveness — Islamic Relief UK

A curated collection of powerful Qur’anic and prophetic supplications to help you seek Allah’s mercy with sincerity.

Read it here (link opens in new tab)