A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Repentance that is prompt following an act of evil committed in ignorance.
Allah the Exalted says:
“Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah toward those who do evil in ignorance (and) then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah. These are they toward whom Allah relenteth. Allah is ever Knower, Wise.” (4:17)
“Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah toward those who do evil in ignorance (and) then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah. These are they toward whom Allah relenteth. Allah is ever Knower, Wise.” (4:17)
And Allah is ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.
The "ignorance" mentioned here does not mean being unaware that the act committed is a sin or an act of disobedience.
Rather, everyone who disobeys Allah has done so out of ignorance.
The Companions were in consensus regarding this, as the exegetes have stated.
For ignorance here refers to being ignorant of the greatness of the One being disobeyed.
It also refers to straying from guidance and being heedless of the consequences of sin.
As for "repentance that is prompt,"
it refers to any repentance made before the onset of death and the soul reaching the throat.
The expression "they repent promptly"
is used to alert everyone to the fact that death is near.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.