Repentance Nullifies All That Comes Before It

Question :

Born a Muslim, and raised as a Muslim, I had never abandoned my prayer at least not until a certain point, which is when (as destiny willed it) I travelled abroad twice- first with my family, and then alone. There was a period of four years wherein I completely abandoned the prayer, wherein I perpetrated many sins, wherein I never fasted; I even had intercourse with my wife during the daytime in Ramadhan. I attribute my degradation mainly to bad companions. But now I am repentant for my sins, and I do pray, either by myself or in congregation. Please advise me on what I should do?

Answer:

Sincere repentance is enough for you you do not have to make up any prayers or any fasts; there is no atonement for you to make. This is because abandoning prayer is major disbelief, even if you did not deny that it is obligatory, according to the most correct view of the scholars. But if a person denies that it is obligatory, then there is a consensus that he has committed disbelief. So when a disbeliever accepts Islam, he doesn't have to make up any compulsory deeds if they are related to Allâh's rights, for Allah Almighty says:
"Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief) their past will be forgiven."

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said :
"Islam removes what comes before it, and repentance removes what comes before it."

After you have repented, remain steadfast, and remember Allâh's saying:
"And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them (till his death)."

May Allah Almighty grant us steadfastness upon the truth; indeed, He is the best to ask.

Here I must point out something you said: "Destiny willed."

Destiny or the decree has no will; hence what is correct is for you to say, "Allâh alone willed," or "Allah willed - How perfect is He," or something similar. May Allah Almighty grant us success, an understanding of the religion, and a resolution to be upright and righteous.