Above all Islam teaches us that God is the most forgiving, and will go on forgiving, repeatedly. Part of being human is making mistakes. Sometimes the mistakes are made without deliberation or a bad intention, but sometimes we knowingly and deliberately sin and do wrong to others. Therefore as human beings, we are constantly in need of forgiveness.
The life of this world is fraught with trials and tribulations, however God did not abandon humankind to these tests. God equipped humankind with an intellect and the ability to make choices and decisions. God also gave us words of guidance. As our creator, He is well aware of our nature and eager to guide us on the straight path that leads to eternal bliss.
The Qur'an is God's final revelation and it is applicable for all of humankind; all people, all places, all times. Throughout the Qur'an God continually ask for His forgiveness. This is the road to salvation. This is our rescue from destructiion.
Allah, the Exalted, says: "And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks God's forgiveness, he will find God Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful." Qur'an 4:10
Allah, the Exalted, says: "And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of God." Qur'an 11:52
Allah, the Exalted, says: "Say: 'O My slave who have transgressed against themslves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of God, indeed God forgives all sins. Trully, He is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." Qur'an 39:53
Qur'an is not only a book of guidance, it is a book of hope. In it God's love, mercy, and forgiveness are obvious and thus humankind is reminded not to give in to despair. No matter what sins a person may have committed if he resolutely turns to God, seeking forgiveness his salvation is assured.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) described sin as black spots covering the heart. He said, "Indeed if a believer sins, a black spot covers his heart. If he repents, stops the sin, and seeks forgiveness for it, his heart becomes clean again. If he persists (instead of repenting), it increases until it covers his heart."
Salvation in Islam is not required because of the stain of original sin. Salvation is required because humankind is imperfect and in need of God's forgiveness and love. In order to understand the concept of salvation, we must understand the importance of tawheed, or the Oneness of God, and knowing how to repent sincerely.
The noted Islamic scholar Ibn Kathir said, "Surely, when hope in continued living diminishes, the Angel of Death comes forth to collect the soul. When the soul reaches the throat, and is gradually pulled out, at that point there is no accepted repentance."
Genuine repentance marks the road to salvation. Salvation is attained through sincere worship of God {Allah}. There is no god but He, the Most Powerful, the Most Merciful, the Most Forgiving.
