Chapter I: Repentance
Answer : One section of the learned men say that Tauba means keeping sins in front. Another section say that it means to forget sins. To us, these two opinions are both true according to circumstances. There are many ways to go to God, some near and some distant. To keep sins in front and to remember them is good for a beginner in the path of religion, as in case he forgets them, his repentance will not increase and for that his will to walk in they way to God will not be so strong. If he remembers his sins, his sorrows will increase and he will fear to commit them again.
The above person is better than a careless person, but it is more injurious to a sojourner for religion as in the case of journey remembrance of sin is an impediment, Rather he should not deviate from the straight path of religion. In case sexual passion becomes strong, if the sin of fornication is remembered, it is injurious and to forget it is better. The Prophet said "Be careful, I
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commit no mistake, but I am thrown to a mistake, so that I may understand it". In another narration, I am made to forget in order *; to establish a way of life. The Prophet talked to men according to their intelligence. When Hazrat Hasan took some dates in his mouth to eat, the Prophet said "Kakh, Kakh" meaning vomit it.
He did not then understand the word "Vomit the dates" as he was then too young. So he made him to understand with the words of a child that it is unlawful. Similarly, if a person calls a bird or a beast with particular words, it responds to him and it does not respond to any other words. So be not indifferent to these words.