Shaqeeq al-Balkhee رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ said:
“The sign of repentance (is): weeping at what has preceded, fear of falling into sin, leaving evil company and maintaining the company of the good.”
[Siyar A‘laam an-Nubalaa, 9/315]
Explanation
In this profound statement, Shaqeeq al-Balkhee رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ mentions some of the clearest signs of sincere repentance. True tawbah is not merely uttering words of regret; rather, it is a change that reaches the heart and manifests itself in a person's actions and relationships.
The first sign he mentions is sorrow over one's past sins. A believer who sincerely repents feels remorse for having disobeyed Allah سبحانه وتعالى. This regret is not despair, but a sign of faith and humility before one's Lord.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Regret is repentance.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah 4252]
Another sign of repentance is fearing a return to sin. The repentant person does not become complacent or assume that he is safe from temptation. Instead, he continually asks Allah for steadfastness and strives to protect himself from situations that may lead him back to disobedience.
Shaqeeq al-Balkhee also highlights the importance of one's companions. Evil company can weaken faith and make sins appear insignificant, while righteous friends encourage obedience, remind one of Allah, and help a person remain firm upon the truth.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“O believers! Be mindful of Allah and be with the truthful.”
[Qur’an 9:119]
For this reason, the early Muslims paid great attention to the people they surrounded themselves with. They understood that companionship shapes one's character, habits, and priorities.
Signs of Sincere Repentance
Among the signs that a person's repentance is genuine are:
- Feeling regret for past sins.
- Fearing a return to disobedience.
- Increasing in acts of worship.
- Distancing oneself from sinful environments.
- Keeping the company of righteous people.
- Frequently seeking Allah's forgiveness.
- Striving to obey Allah in public and in private.
True repentance is not a momentary emotion; it is a lifelong commitment to returning to Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
The Importance of Good Company
The people around us have a profound effect on our hearts and actions. Good companions remind us to pray, encourage us to seek knowledge, and help us remain patient during hardships.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A person follows the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”
[Sunan Abi Dawud 4833]
For this reason, a believer should carefully choose friends who strengthen his faith and encourage him to do good.
Conclusion
Shaqeeq al-Balkhee’s words remind us that repentance is more than seeking forgiveness with the tongue. It requires regret for past sins, fear of falling into them again, and a sincere effort to surround oneself with righteous company.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى grant us sincere repentance, protect us from evil companions, and make us among those who constantly return to Him.
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