Repentance is Enough

Question :

I am now twenty-nine years of age, and I began praying when I was twenty-four; all praise is due to Allâh, I still continue to pray. I have tried to make up all of the prayers that I missed from when I was fifteen until the time I began to pray. People, however, differ in this issue. Some say that I do not have to make up those prayers since repentance is enough; others say that I have to redress my past dereliction by praying all of the prayers that I have missed. Which of these opinions is correct?

Answer:

The correct view A is that you do not have to make up for the prayers you had missed, because sincere repentance suffices you. Sincere repentance here means that you feel remorse for having missed prayers, that you be steadfast in your prayer, and that you resolve never to miss a prayer again. Allâh Almighty says:
"Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief) their past will be forgiven."

He ﷻ also said:
"And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful."

And:
"O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance!"

The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Islam removes that which comes before it, and repentance removes that which comes before it."

He ﷺ also said :
"The person who is repentant for his sin is like the person who has no sin."

There are many verses and sayings of the Prophet that indicate this. We ask Allah Almighty to grant you resolution upon the truth and an understanding of the religion. I advise you to keep company with the righteous, avoiding all the while the company of wrongdoers. May Allah Almighty accept your repentance, and may He grant us a good ending.