What is the ruling on persisting in sins on the basis of the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), “If you had not committed sins, Allah would have brought forth a people who would commit sins and seek forgiveness”?

Question:
This questioner says: Some people who persist in sins argue by citing the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him): "If you did not sin, Allah would bring forth a people who would sin and seek forgiveness."

Answer:
…and seek forgiveness. Professor, is the first part of the hadith? No, it is “they commit sins and seek forgiveness.” As for the one who commits sins and does not seek forgiveness, that is not permissible. Yes.