TAWBAH - توبة

Literally and Etymologically:

Literally, it means returning, turning back, or abandoning a wrong path to revert to righteousness. Etymologically, it derives from the verbal root t-w-b (ت-و-ب) and denotes a conscious, heart-felt return of an ‘abd from disobedience to obedience. Furthermore, this root is also the source of the name of Allah: At-Tawwâb (The Oft-Returning, The Ever-Relenting, The Acceptor of Repentance), Who continuously turns with rahmah toward His ‘abds whenever they turn to Him in sincere remorse.

As an Islamic Term:

Istighfâr is the heartfelt cry of an ‘abd who realises his absolute impotence (‘ajz) and poverty (faqr) before his Creator. It is the sincere admission of one's faults and the turning of a trembling, repentant heart toward the infinite maghfirah of Allah with humility. While istighfâr resides primarily in the heart and upon the tongue as a plea for forgiveness and veiling of sins, tawbah manifests in concrete action as a definitive return (rujû‘), wherein an ‘abd completely turns away from disobedience to obedience and directs his will solely toward Allah’s pleasure and acceptance (ridhâ). It encompasses immediately abandoning the sin, feeling profound regret and firmly resolving never to return to it. It reaches its ultimate peak in tawbah an-nasûh1 , which cures the ma‘nawî wounds of the rûh and cleanses its stains2 through striving to remain upon istiqâmah.

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