If You Repent Sincerely, Allâh Will Erase Your Sins Almighty

Question :

When I realized that pictures were forbidden, I asked my friends to return pictures that I had previously given to them. Some of them did so while others refused, arguing that the sin of keeping the pictures was upon them, and not me. Is what they said correct?

Answer:

When one repents sincerely, fulfilling the conditions of repentance, Allâh Almighty erases his sins:
"And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful."

The Prophet ﷺ said :
"Islam removes what came before it (i.e. disbelief and sins), and repentance removes what came before it."

You must destroy those pictures you have, for the Prophet ﷺ said :
"Do not leave a picture without obliterating it, and do not leave a high grave without levelling it out."

As for those pictures that are with your friends, you did what was obligatory upon you by demanding their return: you have exonerated yourself from any responsibility. By refusing to return the pictures, the blame then lies on them alone. May Allâh Almighty guide us all.

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