Seven challenges faced by those seeking a new life after repentance

SHAH ALAM – Fighting societal stigma is among seven major challenges faced by individuals who change their lives after leaving sins or criminal activities to return to the right path.

Penang Mufti, Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman, said other challenges include leaving old friends and environments, overcoming old habits, building a new life, dealing with prolonged guilt, repairing relationships with victims or family members and remaining consistent (istiqamah) in worship and life discipline.

“Tests after repentance can come in many forms. Some are tested with invitations from old friends, some with addiction, some with poverty and some with ridicule from society.

“All of these become a battlefield to prove whether the change is truly for the sake of Allah SWT or only temporary. However, trials are not a sign that Allah hates His servant. Instead, they can be a sign that Allah wants to elevate a person’s status, cleanse sins and strengthen the soul.

“Therefore, those who have changed must understand that trials are not an obstacle to repentance, but part of the process of strengthening faith,” he told Sinar on Tuesday.

Sukki said individuals who leave sins, immorality or crime are essentially struggling against three major things: their past, their desires and society’s perception of them.

“Among the heaviest challenges is when a person has changed, but society still refers to them by their past sins.

“Calling them labels such as ex-criminal, ex-addict and so on. This situation can weaken the spirit of those trying to build a new life,” he said.

However, he added that the Quran explains that Allah SWT not only opens the door of forgiveness but also mentions that the evil deeds of those who truly repent can be replaced with good deeds.