It has been said that repentance is remorse for what has passed and clinging to what is pure.

Some say that repentance is moving away from what Allah

has forbidden toward what Allah has commanded.

It has been said that repentance is devotion to the True Reality and shunning created things, and that repentance is sincerity, seeking refuge, and striving persistently with hope.

It has been said that repentance is feeling shame when one makes a mistake, and that repentance is sorrow for what has passed.

Some say that repentance is the return to Allah the Exalted in every instant, thought, and glance, and that repentance is shame that restrains one from sin, and constant tears of remorse.

It has been said that repentance is removing the garment of estrangement and donning the garment of fidelity.

Some say that repentance is the return from blameworthy attributes to praiseworthy attributes, which can only be brought about by seclusion, by holding one’s tongue from useless talk, and by eating lawful food.

It has been said that repentance is a fire in the heart that flares up, and a rift that never mends.

The principles of Tasawwuf, page 17