Islamic Articles

Seven Ways to fight Laziness, Boredom and Weakness when trying to Study‏ Islam



The Questioner says:
"I'm weak in my reading the books of benefit and when I begin to read some of the books of `Ilm (knowledge) I feel weakness and boredom; so what is your advice for me, and what is the correct path in reading the books which contain beneficial knowledge; benefit us (those seeking reward)?"

Firstly:
It is a must for the one who seeks knowledge to purify his intention for Allah the Lord of the worlds, and make his seeking the `Ilm (knowledge) being only for the purpose and goal of obtaining the pleasure of Allah; and in order to know the truth, to act by it, and to know falsehood so as to refrain from it.

Secondly:
To act by that, which he has learned from knowledge within in himself, and to try and teach what he has learned from knowledge to others.

Thirdly:
To safeguard what he has learned by memorizing it, and reviewing the `Ilm (knowledge) so it does not escape him

Thirdly:To safeguard what he has learned by memorizing it, and reviewing the `Ilm (knowledge) so it does not escape him.

Fourthly:To be steadfast in learning what he does not know, so to add knowledge on top of knowledge.

Fifthly:
To ask Allah constantly to bestow & grant him with beneficial knowledge and provisions that are vast, and actions that are accepted; and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would say if he prayed the Fajr prayer after he would make Taslim (Salam to the right then the left) this Du'a:

"O Allah, I ask you for knowledge which is beneficial and sustenance which is good, and deeds which are acceptable." (To be said after making salaam for the Fajr prayer)

Sixthly:
If he was to feel tired and weak when he is in front of knowledge and ready to study, then he should ask Allah to make for him will power and a desire to gain knowledge and dedicate himself to it.

Seventhly:
It's obligatory on the student of knowledge to refrain from disobedience, for indeed disobedience kills the heart and weakens the understanding and its narrated about Imam Shafi'i he said: "I complained to my teacher Wa'ki about my weak memory so he directed me to leave of sin and then he said, `know!!!! That knowledge is light; and the light of Allah He does not give it to a disobedient person." And I say the proof for that is found in the Book of Allah when He Glorified be He Says,

"O you who believe! If you obey and Fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion, and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty." [Noble Quran 8:29]

"O you who believe Fear Allah, and believe too in His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), he will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and he will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight), and he will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. So what is important is that the student of knowledge needs consistent striving, striving against himself and against ones passions and lower desires and its greed, and to tire himself out in acquiring knowledge, and to hope that Allah will enable him to achieve that, and the success (Tawfiq) is from Allah." [Noble Quran 57:28]

source: islamwomen.com

More than 1,400 years ago, Allaah All-Mighty told us through His Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) that honey can heal a variety of medical problems.

Honey is a remarkable viscous liquid, prepared by bees from nectars of various plants. It has occupied a prominent place in traditional medicines throughout history. The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honey for different diseases.

The Noble Quran and many Prophetic narrations refer to honey as a great healer of disease.

Allaah, Almighty, Says (what means): "And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: ‘Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you).’ There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think." [Quran; 16: 68-69]

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri may Allaah be pleased with him related that a man came to the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and said: "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said to him "Let him drink honey." The man returned to the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and said: “O Messenger of Allaah! I let him drink honey, but it caused him more pain.” The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said to him: “Go and let him drink honey!” The man went and let his brother drink honey, then returned back and said: “O Messenger of Allaah, it did not cause him except more pains.” The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) then said: "Allaah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) also said: "Make use of the two remedies: honey and the Quran." [At-Tirmithi, Ibn Maajah and Al-Bayhaqi] Modern medicine is only just learning of this fact.

Benefits of honey:

1.Alleviates inflammation of cornea if used locally on the eye.
2.An antibiotic if used locally in situations of wounds and burns, and it is used for healing of wounds:

◦In case of wounds, honey absorbs moisture from the air, facilitates healing process and prevents scarring. This is because honey stimulates the growth of epithelial cells that form the new skin cover. In this way, honey may eliminate the need for tissue transplantation.
◦Honey stimulates the re-growth of tissue involved in the healing process. It stimulates the formation of new blood capillaries and the growth of fibroblasts that replace the connective tissue of the deeper layer of the skin and produce the collagen fibers that give strength to the repair.
◦Honey has an anti-inflammatory action, which reduces the swelling around a wound. This improves circulation and thus hastens the healing process.
◦Honey does not stick to the underlying wound tissues, so there is no tearing away of newly formed tissue, and no pain, when dressings are changed.
◦Thanks to its antimicrobial property, honey provides a protective barrier to prevent wounds becoming infected. It also rapidly clears any existing infection from wounds. It is fully effective, even with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
◦Some studies showed that honey is a good treatment against the hospital infection bacteria "superbugs" (MRSA.)

As honey does not accommodate bacteria, this bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect." There are various reasons of this anti-microbial property of the honey. Some examples are: the high sugar content that limits the amount of water microorganisms need for growth, its high acidity (low pH) and composition which deprive bacteria from nitrogen necessary for reproduction. The existence of hydrogen peroxide as well as antioxidants in the honey prevent bacteria growth.

3.Antioxidant: Those are the components in cells that get rid of harmful byproducts of normal metabolic functions. These elements inhibit destructive chemical reactions that cause spoilage of food and many chronic illnesses. Researchers believe food products rich in antioxidants may prevent heart problems and cancer. Strong antioxidants are present in honey: Pinocembrin, pinobaxin, chrisin and galagin. Pinocembrin is an antioxidant that merely exists in the honey.

4.A treatment for gastric and duodenal ulcers, as honey decreases the secretion of hydrochloric acid to a normal rate, thus helping to heal such ulcers and alleviate the related pains and reduce resultant cases of vomiting and colic. For the treatment to be effective, honey should be taken dissolved in warm water one or two hours before meals.

5.A treatment for involuntary urination at beds. So, if the child is given one small spoon of honey before sleeping, this will have a positive effect, as honey is sedative for the nervous system, thus helping the cyst to relax and expand during sleep.

6.It supports blood formation: Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. It helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.

7.A treatment for colds, flu and pharyngitis.

8.A treatment for cases of chronic hepatitis, as honey increases the liver stock of the glycogen material through the increase of blood glucose, thus helping the liver to function properly and relieve it from more burdens.

9.A treatment for insomnia and a sedative for nerves, as it contains some sedative and tonic substances as sodium and potassium at a reasonable rate such.

10.A treatment for alcoholic poisoning. Fructose and vitamin B group in the honey help oxidize the alcohol remaining in the body.

11.A treatment for cough.

12.In cosmetics, a mixture of honey with lemon and glycerin is considered of the best old medical prescription for the treatment of skin cracking and roughness, the inflammation and wounds of lips, sun stroke, and dermal pigments.

13.A treatment for muscular spasm of sportive exercises or facial spasms and eyelids muscles, which disappear after having one big spoon of honey for three days after each meal.

14.Has a low calorie level. When it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight. Furthermore, the use of honey is safe and has no allergic or side effects. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was right in his prescription for the ailing man. When the fourth treatment of honey was given to the man, he got better. Such is part of the knowledge that the Almighty has revealed to His Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).

Source: http://english.islamweb.net

The ideal Muslim character is distinct and balanced. The Muslim is the embodiment of the teachings of the Quran and the ‘Sunnah’ (sayings, actions and the approvals of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention )). He follows the teachings of the Book of Allaah (i.e. Quran) and the example of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) in all affairs, relations, and situations – starting with his relationship with his Lord, his own self, his family and the people around him.

In what follows is a brief overview of some qualities of the ideal Muslim personality.

His attitude towards Allaah

One of the most distinguishing features of the (ideal) Muslim is his deep faith in Allaah, The Exalted, and his conviction that whatever happens in the universe and whatever befalls him, only happens through the will and the decree of Allaah. The Muslim is closely connected to Allaah, constantly remembers Him, puts his trust in Him and is obedient towards Him.

His faith is pure and clear, uncontaminated by any strain of ignorance, superstition or illusion. His belief and worship are based on the Quran and the authentic ‘Sunnah’.

The Muslim is alert and open-minded to the magnificence of Allaah. He knows that it is Allaah who is in control of the affairs of the universe and of mankind, and He (Allaah) Knows all and Witnesses every secret.

A Muslim feels in the depths of his soul that he is in constant need of the help and support of Allaah, no matter how much he may think he can do for himself. He has no choice in his life but to submit to the will of Allaah, worship Him, strive towards the Right Path and do good deeds.

This will guide him to be righteous and upright in all his deeds, both in public and in private.

A Muslim recognizes the signs of the unlimited power of Allaah in the universe, and so his faith in Allaah increases: Allaah, The Exalted, Says (what means): “Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding. Such as remember Allaah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! You created not this in vain. Glory be to You! Preserve us from the doom of Fire.” [Quran 3: 190-191]

His attitude towards his body, mind and soul

The Muslim pays due attention to his body’s physical, intellectual and spiritual needs.

He takes good care of his body, promoting its good health and strength. He is active, doesn’t eat in excess; but he eats enough to maintain his health and energy. He understands that a strong believer is more loved by Allaah than a weak believer. Allaah, The Exalted, Says (what means): “…Eat and drink; but waste not by excess, for Allaah loves not the wasters.” [Quran 7: 31]

The Muslim keeps away from drugs and stimulants. He also does not forget to exercise regularly to maintain his physical fitness.

The Muslim also keeps his body and clothes very clean. He bathes frequently. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) placed a great emphasis on cleanliness and bathing. Cleanliness makes the Muslim more likeable to people. He also takes care of his mouth and teeth.

It is no surprise that the Muslim is concerned with his clothing and appearance. The Muslim does all of this in accordance with the Islamic ideal of moderation, avoiding the extremes of exaggeration and negligence.

Allaah Says (what means): “Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of Allaah which He has brought forth for His bondmen, and the good things of His providing? Say: Such, on the Day of Resurrection, will be only for those who believed during the life of the world. Thus do We detail Our revelations for people who have knowledge.” [Quran 7: 32]

As for his intellectual care, the Muslim takes care of his mind by perusing beneficial knowledge. He is responsible to seek knowledge whether it is religious or secular, so he may understand the nature and the essence of things. Allaah Says (what means): “…and say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” [Quran 20: 114]

The Muslim does not forget that man is not only composed of a body and a mind, but that he also possesses a soul and a spirit, and feels a longing for higher things that make him rise above this materialistic life and scale the heights of goodness, virtue and light.

Therefore, the Muslim pays as much attention to his spiritual development as to his physical and intellectual development, in a precisely balanced fashion which does not concentrate on one aspect to the detriment of others.

His attitude towards people

With his parents, the Muslim is an example of sincere filial piety. He treats them with kindness and respect, infinite compassion, utter politeness and deep gratitude. He recognizes their status and knows his duties towards them. Allaah Says (what means): “And serve Allaah. Ascribe nothing as partner unto Him. (Show) kindness unto parents…” [Quran 4: 36]

With his wife, the Muslim exemplifies good and kind treatment, intelligent handling, deep understanding of the nature and psychology of women, and proper fulfillment of his responsibilities and duties.

With his children, the Muslim is a parent who understands his great responsibility towards them which is, as well as flooding them with love and compassion, to pay attention to anything that may influence their Islamic development and give them proper education, so that they become active and constructive elements in society, and a source of goodness for their parents, community, and society as a whole.

With his relatives, the Muslim maintains the ties of kinship and knows his duties towards them. He understands the high status given to relatives in Islam, which makes him keep in touch with them, no matter what the circumstances.

With his neighbors, the Muslim illustrates good treatment and consideration of others’ feelings and sensitivities. He puts up with mistreatment and turns a blind eye to his neighbor’s faults while taking care not to commit any such errors himself.

The Muslim relationship with his brothers and friends is the best and purest of relationships, for it is based on love for the sake of Allaah. He is loving, not cold towards them; he is loyal and does not betray them; he is sincere and does not cheat them; he is gentle and never harsh; he is tolerant and forgiving; he is generous and he supplicates for them (his brothers and friends).

In his social relationships with all people, the Muslim is well-mannered, civil and noble, characterized by the attitudes which Islam encourages.

The Muslim does not envy others. He fulfils his promises. He has the attitude of shyness. He is cheerful. He is not pushy. He is patient. He avoids slandering or uttering obscenities. He does not unjustly accuse others. He is shy and modest. He does not interfere in that which does not concern him. He refrains from gossiping, spreading slander and stirring up trouble. He avoids false speech and suspicion. When he is entrusted with a secret, he keeps it. He is modest and never arrogant. He does not make fun of anyone. He respects his elders. He mixes with the best of people. He strives to reconcile between the Muslims. He calls others to Islam with wisdom and beautiful preaching. He visits the sick and attends funerals. He returns favors and is grateful for them. He guides people to do good. He always likes to make things easy and not difficult.

The Muslim is fair in his judgements. He is not a hypocrite, a sycophant or a show-off. He does not boast about his deeds and achievements. He is straightforward and is never devious or twisted, no matter what the circumstances. He loves noble things and hates foolishness. He is generous and does not remind others of his gifts or favors. He is hospitable and does not complain when a guest comes to him. He prefers others to himself as much as possible. He relieves the burden of the debtor. He is proud and does not think of begging.

Source: www.islamweb.net

Repentance is ultimately the goal that we all seek. All sane people are conscious of their numerous sins, and those who believe in Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) recognize that they will be held accountable for their sins, and therefore desire to be free of the evil consequences of their misdeeds. Islam offers man the ideal way by which he may be released from the burden of his sins.

The word Tawbah (repentance) in Arabic literally means 'to return'. In an Islamic context, it refers to the act of leaving what Allaah has prohibited and returning to what He, Almighty, has commanded.

The subject of repentance is one that concerns all people who believe in Allaah, and is vital for the Muslims to understand because our salvation in the Hereafter depends on our repentance to Allaah, as Allaah commands (what means): "…And turn to Allaah in repentance, all of you, that you might succeed." [Quran 24:31]

Allaah also Says (what means): "…Indeed, Allaah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” [Quran 2:222]

One may have a real intention to repent, but there may be some obstacles to the path of repentance. If this is the case, then he needs to act without hesitation and remove those obstacles to clear the way to a happy soul.

The postponement of repentance may be the result of either a deliberate desire to prolong the illicit pleasure derived from the sin, or doubt on the part of an ignorant sinner whether or not Allaah would accept his repentance.

However, we have to be certain that Allaah will guide us to success and safeguard us against our malice. We also must be confident that Allaah forgives our sins and that He, and only He, can judge us. It is only His Judgement that is worthy of our worry and anxiety. So we should fear Him only because sincere repentance removes all sins and disobedience.

The door of repentance is always open, until...
The door to repentance is always open and will not be closed in the face of any repentant person, regardless of his sins. Expect this gate to have two locks: death and the approach of the Day of Judgement. The first was mentioned in the Hadeeth: "Allaah accepts a slave's repentance unless his death approaches." [At-Tirmithi]

The other was mentioned in the Hadeeth: "Whosoever turns to Allaah in repentance before the sun rises in the West, Allaah will forgive him." [Ahmad]

Allaah Says in the Quran what means: "But repentance is not [accepted] of those who [continue to] do evil deeds up until, when death comes to one of them, he says: ‘Indeed, I have repented now,' or of those who die while they are disbelievers...” [Quran 4:18]

O heedless soul! Hasten to repent before the knock of death sounds and the time of repentance runs out. Do not get caught dying in a state of disobedience to your Most Merciful Lord. Satan gives you long hope and empty promises; he delays your repentance until your heart becomes as callous as a rock by being adamant in sin and disobedience, and you would therefore meet your Lord in a wretched state. If the door of repentance is closed to you, it will never open to you again.

Repentance is ultimately the goal that we all seek. All sane people are conscious of their numerous sins, and those who believe in Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) recognize that they will be held accountable for their sins, and therefore desire to be free of the evil consequences of their misdeeds. Islam offers man the ideal way by which he may be released from the burden of his sins.

The word Tawbah (repentance) in Arabic literally means 'to return'. In an Islamic context, it refers to the act of leaving what Allaah has prohibited and returning to what He, Almighty, has commanded.

The subject of repentance is one that concerns all people who believe in Allaah, and is vital for the Muslims to understand because our salvation in the Hereafter depends on our repentance to Allaah, as Allaah commands (what means): "…And turn to Allaah in repentance, all of you, that you might succeed."

Allaah also Says (what means): "…Indeed, Allaah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” [Quran 2:222]

One may have a real intention to repent, but there may be some obstacles to the path of repentance. If this is the case, then he needs to act without hesitation and remove those obstacles to clear the way to a happy soul.

The postponement of repentance may be the result of either a deliberate desire to prolong the illicit pleasure derived from the sin, or doubt on the part of an ignorant sinner whether or not Allaah would accept his repentance.

However, we have to be certain that Allaah will guide us to success and safeguard us against our malice. We also must be confident that Allaah forgives our sins and that He, and only He, can judge us. It is only His Judgement that is worthy of our worry and anxiety. So we should fear Him only because sincere repentance removes all sins and disobedience.

The door of repentance is always open, until...

The door to repentance is always open and will not be closed in the face of any repentant person, regardless of his sins. Expect this gate to have two locks: death and the approach of the Day of Judgement. The first was mentioned in the Hadeeth: "Allaah accepts a slave's repentance unless his death approaches." [At-Tirmithi]

The other was mentioned in the Hadeeth: "Whosoever turns to Allaah in repentance before the sun rises in the West, Allaah will forgive him." [Ahmad]

Allaah Says in the Quran what means: "But repentance is not [accepted] of those who [continue to] do evil deeds up until, when death comes to one of them, he says: ‘Indeed, I have repented now,' or of those who die while they are disbelievers...” [Quran 4:18]

O heedless soul! Hasten to repent before the knock of death sounds and the time of repentance runs out. Do not get caught dying in a state of disobedience to your Most Merciful Lord. Satan gives you long hope and empty promises; he delays your repentance until your heart becomes as callous as a rock by being adamant in sin and disobedience, and you would therefore meet your Lord in a wretched state. If the door of repentance is closed to you, it will never open to you again.

What keeps us from repenting?

1. Taking sins lightly:

The problem with many of us today is that we do not fear Allaah, which means that we do not think seriously about disobeying Him and therefore fall into sin, without giving any real thought to it. Hence, we should think about the statement which Ibn Mas'ood may Allaah be pleased with him made: "A believer sees his sins as if he were sitting under a mountain which he is afraid may collapse on him, whereas the wicked person considers his sins as flies passing over his nose which he just drives away like this (and he waved his hand across his face to illustrate this)."[Al-Bukhaari]

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Take caution against minor sins, because such sins are like a group of people who temporarily settled in the middle of a valley. Then, they decided to make a fire, so each one of them brought a stick until they were able to make it, so they baked their bread. Thus, minor sins (when they accumulate) may destroy the one who commits them." [Ahmad]

2. "What is the point? I will only end up doing it again"

Such an approach is the result of a misunderstanding. Indeed, one of the conditions of repentance is having a real intention not to return to the same sin. This, however, does not mean that Satan will never tempt you to commit the same sin again. Thus, if you have failed yourself, and you returned to the same sin, it does not mean that your first repentance was a lie. You should hasten to make additional repentance, with a real intention not to return to this sin, keeping in mind that Allaah's mercy extends over everything.

3. "Allaah is forgiving, so let me sin"

When reminded of repentance and the hideousness of disobedience, some people would respond that Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. An atheist once said in sarcasm: "You should commit as many sins as you can because you are heading towards the Lord who is Most-Generous." There is no doubt that such a view is complete ignorance of the religion of Allaah, because Allaah's mercy is close to the righteous and not to the wrongdoers.

4. "I am destined to be a sinner"

Some people may choose to blame Al-Qadr (fate) for their sins. For example, if you ask any of them, "Why do you not perform the Prayers? Why do you not fast? Why do you drink or smoke? Why do you not repent from your disobedience?" They would respond by saying: "This is Allaah's Qadr" or: "I am doomed to do this." This is definitely a grave misconception and an evasion of the truth. Believing in Al-Qadr does not mean that one is destined to commit sins. It is true that Allaah has written all human beings' deeds, good or bad, and only He knows the unseen, but the believer is not forced to perform a good deed, nor is he forced to commit any disobedience. Instead, he has been granted the ability to reflect, reason and then make a decision freely. Al-Qadr is only responsible for the calamities and blessings that an individual may confront because he can do nothing about them. For example, if a couple were to marry and have three children, then this is their Qadr. It is impermissible to fault Al-Qadr for our sins and disobedience because doing so is akin to being in confrontation and showing dissatisfaction with Allaah.

Repentance wipes out all sins, major and minor:

Being confused, some people may think that repentance is only required for major sins. It should be noted that repentance from all sins is obligatory.
Even the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) who was sinless, asked Allaah to forgive him on a daily basis. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is reported to have said: "O people! Make repentance to Allaah. I swear by Allaah that I make repentance to Him more than seventy times every day." [Al-Bukhaari]

Therefore, we all need to fear Allaah, ask His forgiveness and be aware that there is no sin that is minor with persistence, and no major sin with seeking Allaah's forgiveness (i.e. if the minor sin is repeated many times it becomes a major one.) Thus, sincere repentance wipes out all committed sins.

Never despair!

Someone might say: "I want to repent but my sins are too many." But Allaah Says what means: "Say: 'O my slaves who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allaah. Indeed, Allaah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." [Quran 39:53]

Therefore, we should never lose hope or stop asking for Allaah's forgiveness. Its importance is shown to us in the Hadeeth in which the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "O people! Turn to Allaah in repentance and seek His forgiveness, for I make repentance to Him a hundred times every day." [Muslim]

Repentance is such a great act of worship that doing it can erase all our sins altogether, as the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "One who repents from sin is like one without sin." [Ibn Maajah]

Source: www.islamweb.net