A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Returning to the truth.
Among the most important qualities of one who traverses the path to Allah
is returning to the truth once it becomes clear to him that he was previously in opposition to it.
Let a person’s motto in this regard be
the statement of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him,
in his testament to Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari, may Allah be pleased with him, regarding judgment and adjudication:
"Returning to the truth is better than persisting in falsehood."
This is what we express today by saying:
"Returning to the truth is a virtue."
Among the most important things that help a person commit to returning to the truth, after seeking Allah’s aid in that,
is, first, not to be biased toward one’s own self, mistakes, and whims.
One should be pleased, not angered, by those who point out one’s faults.
As ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
"The most beloved of people to me is the one who points out my faults to me."
Second, the continuous review of one’s statements, actions, and positions,
and ensuring their conformity with the Shari‘ah.
Third, avoiding sycophancy or compromise when speaking the truth and adhering to it,
and rejecting whatever contradicts it.
Fourth, constant self-reckoning and hastening toward sincere repentance.