What If I Did a Sinful Act with My Brother?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I committed a sinful act with my brother without intercourse. Does this affect my parents’ marriage or our blood relation, and must I reveal it to my parents or future husband, or may I hide it after repenting?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I hope you are in good health and faith.

It will not affect your parents’ marriage, nor should you ever reveal it to anyone. Your guilt, shame, and regret are significant steps in the process of repentance and forgiveness.

Perform two rak‘as and sincerely repent to Allah, asking for forgiveness for your past mistakes, and do not worry. See the link below.  The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.” [Ibn Maja]

Hope

Allah says in the Quran,

“Say: Oh my slaves who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah, verily, Allah forgives all sins.” [Quran, 39:53]

“And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins – Who forgives sins save Allah only? – and will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did.” [Quran,3:135]

“Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then turn in repentance to Him.” [Quran,11: 3]

Don’t lose hope; your desire to repent already shows Allah’s love for you. The only humans spared from sin are the Prophets (Allah bless them and grant them peace). Everyone else on Earth struggles with some form of sin. As long as you are alive, the doors of forgiveness are always open to you. Our faith is a religion of hope.

Look Ahead

The best thing now is to follow the path of light and knowledge and try to improve oneself in every aspect. Learn about our beautiful religion, the halal and haram of daily life, and basic fiqh. Read the Sira and work to fulfill the obligations to the One who created us, attend congregational prayers, circles of knowledge, and remembrance. Don’t let Shaytan keep you busy with futile things.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction insha’Allah.

Related

• Prayer of Repentance: Salat al-Tawba – SeekersGuidance
• Purification of the Heart for Youth: Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – YouTube
• The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – YouTube

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.