Imam nawawi in kitab riyadhus shalihin outlines three conditions for repentance to Allah SWT for sins not involving others' rights. Repentance is obligatory from all kinds of sins. If the sin involves others' rights, the conditions increase to four.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Imam nawawi in kitab riyadhus shalihin explains that repentance is obligatory from all kinds of sins. For transgressions between a servant and Allah Ta'ala, without relation to others' rights, three conditions for repentance are required.
First, immediately stop all sins committed from the moment the desire to repent arises. Second, feel regret for having committed the sin. Third, intend not to repeat the sinful act forever. If these three conditions are not all fulfilled, the repentance is invalid.
If the transgression involves others' rights, the conditions for repentance become four, adding the obligation to release the burden from those rights. If the burden is property or similar, it must be returned to the rightful owner. If it is an accusation of adultery or similar, the accusation must be withdrawn or forgiveness sought from the accused. If the sin is slandering another, forgiveness must be requested from the slandered person.
Imam nawawi states that the obligation of repentance is supported by evidence from the Quran, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW, and the consensus of the ummah. Some Quranic verses mentioned include: "And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful" (QS An-Nur: 31); "And ask forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him" (QS Hud: 3); and "O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance" (QS At-Tahrim: 8).