...also means that one resolves never to commit this act again, returns any valuables taken, and seeks forgiveness for any rights that have arisen from these valuables.
The repentance (tawba) of the common people is from errors; the repentance of the elect (khawāṣṣ) is from habits (customary practices); and the repentance of the elect of the elect is from everything other than Allah, and from reliance upon spiritual stations (maqāmāt) and lights (nūr).
Warning (Tahdhir): Even if a definite ishāra (sign) comes indicating that it has been accepted, beware of trusting in your sincere repentance! (Kawānīn, 13)
There is a vast difference between the repentance of one who loves with longing (ishtiyāq) and the repentance of one who repents out of fear and ishfāq (fear and anxiety). The former is moved by yearning due to witnessing divine beauty (jamāl) in theophanies, while the latter...