I was disobedient to Allah in my youth, and now I have repented to Allah the Exalted. What is my obligation regarding the prayers and fasts that I did not perform at their appointed times, knowing that I?
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The questioner : I inform you that in the beginning of my youth, I was on a path other than the Islamic one, where I did not care about acts of worship; sometimes I would pray and fast, and sometimes I would not pray or fast. I did not care about any of the forbidden things, for a period of approximately fifteen years. However, I straightened out and maintained the acts of worship, and I have repented to Allah with a sincere repentance, by the permission of Allah Mighty and Majestic, for what I was doing. I am deeply regretful, and I hope that Allah will accept my repentance. My question, O honorable...The Shaykh : What is my obligation regarding the prayers and fasts that I did not perform at their appointed times? Knowing that I cannot count those days due to the length of the period, and does repentance serve as expiation for my sins? I ask you for advice and guidance, O honorable Shaykh.
The Shaykh : First: I congratulate you on Allah’s acceptance of your repentance and His enabling you to repent. I ask Allah the Exalted to keep you steadfast upon it, and to grant us all sincere repentance by which Allah erases what has passed of our sins, and to protect us in our future affairs.
Second: I give you good news that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: And your repentance has demolished what has passed of your sins, and you do not have to make up what was missed. But ask Allah for steadfastness in His obedience until you meet Him.
And strive, as much as you are able, to call your brothers who were like you to what Allah has granted you of repentance and adherence to the straight path.Sahih al-Bukhari 3701 This is part of giving thanks for Allah’s blessing upon you, that you call your brothers who have been excessive toward themselves to sincere repentance and steadfastness upon the religion of Allah.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : First: I congratulate you on Allah’s acceptance of your repentance and His enabling you to repent. I ask Allah the Exalted to keep you steadfast upon it, and to grant us all sincere repentance by which Allah erases what has passed of our sins, and to protect us in our future affairs.
Second: I give you good news that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Repentance demolishes what came before it, and Islam demolishes what came before it.
التوبة تهدم ما قبلها، والإسلام يهدم ما قبلهAnd strive, as much as you are able, to call your brothers who were like you to what Allah has granted you of repentance and adherence to the straight path.
if one man is guided on the right path (i.e. converted to Islam) through you, it would be better for you than (a great number of) red camels.
فلأن يهدي الله بك رجلاً واحداً خير لك من حمر النعمThe questioner : May Allah bless you.