This verse comes after the verse related to the punishment for theft, as it is necessary to repent, and a person cannot say: I repent to Allah (swt) after I have stolen or committed adultery. True and sincere repentance is not accepted from a person unless he remits what he has corrupted, with remorse, and resolve not to commit this sin again. Hence, this verse is a repeated call to fix what has been corrupted and stop doing wrong, the Prophet (saws) said:

“All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who are given to repentance.”[1]

It is of the nature of the humans to commit sins.

Habib bin Al-Harith came to the Prophet (saws) and said: O Messenger of Allah! I am a very sinner man. He (saws) said: “So repent to Allah, O Habib.” He said: “O Messenger of Allah, I repent and then return to sins.” He (saws) said: “The more you sin, the more you repent.” He said: “O Messenger of Allah, then my sins will multiply.” He (saws) said: “Allah’s forgiveness is greater than your sins, O Habib bin Al-Harith.”[2]

The most important element the actions depend on according to Islamic rulings is the intention. When committing a sin, punishment must be fulfilled in addition to repentance and reforming. If the repentance is sincere and the person recommits a sin again, then the door of repentance is constantly open. As for repentance with the intention to return to the sin, this is not true repentance; Because no one can deceive the knowledge or ability of Allah (swt).

(… وَأَصْلَحَ …) (…and reforms …): The stolen thing must be returned to its owner, and if he is unable to do so, he must pay its price to him, or consider it as a debt which must be documented, documenting rights is a necessary matter in Islam so that they are not lost. And whoever commits a crime that cannot be remedied, then he must sincerely repent and intend not to do it again.

[1] Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn: Juz‘: 4, Page: 272, Hadith No. 7617.

[2] Majma’ al-Zawaed: Juz: 10, Hadith No. 1731.