One might say, “I want to repent, but who can guarantee that Allah will forgive me if I do so? I want to follow the Straight Path, but I feel very hesitant. If I know for sure that Allah would forgive me, I would definitely repent.” Shaykh Muhammad Sâlih al-Munajjid, may Allah reward him, gives a clear-cut response to such doubts and questions in this booklet. In order that the response reassures everybody concerned, it is based on the Noble Qur’an and the honourable Sunnah, quoting many verses and hadiths confirming that Allah’s mercy and forgiveness embrace all creation and are greater than any and all sins. The Shaykh then goes on to explain the preconditions and necessary steps for achieving true repentance, at which Allah is just waiting to forgive any of His penitent servants.

Living in Allah’s Presence: Aspects of Islamic Spirituality introduces the natural human characteristics (fitrah) that are universally considered to be praiseworthy. In the Qur’an, Islam is referred to as al-din al-fitrah, meaning that the human being is, by his very nature, inclined to submit to the Will of Allah, and is inclined towards goodness. These Qur’anic concepts like sincerity, truthfulness, humility, morality, modesty and steadfastness underpin the Islamic value system. The reflections on these key concepts presented in this book guide the reader towards moral excellence and self-purification, which if achieved lead to the establishment of justice, living a life in Allah’s Presence and building a true relationship with Him, striving to fulfil His Will on earth and seeking His Pleasure in the afterlife.