The hadith of the one who repents from his previous sins in the gatherings

Question:
The questioner asks: If a person who repents to Allah is known for some of the sins he used to commit openly, is it permissible for him, when sitting in a gathering, to talk about his repentance and say that he used to do such and such?

Answer:
If he wishes to be known as one who was famous for evil, he should state that Allah accepted his repentance and that he used to engage in what Allah has forbidden him. He does not need to go into detail, saying, "I repented, and praise be to Allah, I used to engage in some of what Allah has forbidden, and Allah granted me repentance." If the people present know his bad deeds, let him make his repentance to Allah and his return from what he was doing, which was falsehood, clear. However, if he is not known for these matters, he should cover himself, and praise be to Allah. He may claim all of his repentance, but he must be truthful. If he claims it truthfully, he is on the right path in encouraging people. He may say, "Repentance is a great matter, and I used to be such and such; I was falling short in myself, and Allah granted me repentance. So I advise you, my brothers, to repent." But there is no need for him to say, "I used to do such and such, and I used to do such and such." He should cover what Allah has covered. Yes.