Struggling with Repeated Sin? Don’t Give Up on Allah’s Mercy
If you find yourself falling into the same sin over and over again, know that you’re not alone — this is a struggle many believers face. But Islam is not about being perfect; it’s about being sincere, humble, and never giving up on the mercy of Allah. The fact that your heart feels pain and guilt is already a sign that Iman (faith) is alive within you.
Here is a deeper look into what you should do if you keep sinning:
1. Keep Repenting — Even If It’s the 100th Time
Never give up on Tawbah. Allah’s door is always open, even if you fall again and again.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, “If somebody commits a sin and then says, ‘O my Lord! I have sinned, please forgive me!’ and his Lord says, ‘My slave has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for it, I therefore have forgiven my slave (his sins).’ Then he remains without committing any sin for a while and then again commits another sin and says, ‘O my Lord, I have committed another sin, please forgive me,’ and Allah says, ‘My slave has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for it, I therefore have forgiven my slave (his sin). Then he remains without Committing any another sin for a while and then commits another sin (for the third time) and says, ‘O my Lord, I have committed another sin, please forgive me,’ and Allah says, ‘My slave has known that he has a Lord Who forgives sins and punishes for it I therefore have forgiven My slave (his sin), he can do whatever he likes.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 7507
Don’t let Shaytaan convince you that you’ve sinned too much. Allah’s mercy is greater than your worst mistakes.
2. Make Dua in Secret — Speak From the Heart
Sometimes, the most powerful repentance comes from the quiet tears you shed when no one is watching. Speak to Allah sincerely. Tell Him you’re weak. Ask Him to pull you out of this darkness.
“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” (Qur’an 40:60)
If you keep falling into the same sin, identify the doors that lead you there and close them. If you can’t control the environment, change it or leave it. You don’t need to test your soul’s limits — protect it.3. Distance Yourself From Triggers
4. Fast Often — Fasting Weakens Desires
The Prophet ﷺ advised young men who struggle with desires to fast:Narrated ‘Abdullah:
It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah said to us: ‘O young men, whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity, and whoever cannot then he should fast, for it will be a restraint (wija’) for him.'”
Sunan an-Nasa’i 3209Fasting helps control the nafs (ego/self) and weakens Shaytaan’s influence. Try to fast Mondays and Thursdays, or at least on the White Days (13th, 14th, 15th of each Islamic month).
5. Replace Sin With Good Deeds
Don’t let your guilt paralyze you. Every time you fall, respond with a good deed.
“Indeed, good deeds erase bad deeds.”
(Qur’an 11:114)
- Pray two rak’ahs of repentance.
- Give a small sadaqah.
- Help someone silently.
- Read or listen to the Qur’an.
- Send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ.
The sin may pull you down, but the good deed pulls you back up.
6. Believe in Allah’s Mercy More Than Your Guilt
Guilt can be a good thing — if it leads to change. But if it leads to despair, it becomes dangerous.
“Do not despair of the mercy of Allah.”
(Qur’an 39:53)
Guilt whispers, “You’re hopeless.” But mercy replies, “You’re forgiven.”Your Lord is not like people — He doesn’t tire, doesn’t hold grudges, and doesn’t get bored of your apologies.
7. Stay in the Company of the Righteous
Your environment matters. Surround yourself with people who remind you of Allah, even if only online or through lectures, books, or Islamic communities.
“A person is upon the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”
(Abu Dawood, 4833)
Good company helps you grow. Bad company drags you back. Choose wisely.
8. Build a Habit of Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Shaytaan finds strength when your heart is empty. Fill your heart with dhikr to weaken his hold.
- Say Astaghfirullah throughout the day.
- Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Naas in the morning and evening.
- Say “La ilaha illa Anta, subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimeen” often — the dua of Prophet Yunus ﷺ.
Dhikr is like a spiritual shield.
9. Set Small, Achievable Goals for Change
Sometimes we expect a sudden transformation. But Islam teaches us consistency is more beloved than intensity.
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if small.”
(Bukhari 6464)
- If you can’t pray all 5 daily prayers, start with one.
- If you can’t memorize an entire surah, memorize a few ayahs.
- If you fall, don’t restart from zero — continue the journey.
10. Ask Allah to Make You Hate the Sin
It may seem strange, but ask Allah to make your heart dislike the sin you’re struggling with. The Prophet ﷺ used to say:
“O Allah, make disbelief, sin, and disobedience hateful to us, and make us love faith.”
When Allah places disgust for sin in your heart, it becomes easier to avoid.
Final Reminder
Even if you keep falling, what truly matters is that you never stop turning back to Allah. Tawbah isn’t just for the “last chance” — it’s a daily practice for every believer.You are not your sin. You are your effort to return to Allah.Keep walking. Keep repenting. Keep hoping. And one day, by His mercy, you’ll overcome what once felt impossible.
