This fourth lecture of the series, “The Spirit of Chivalry in the 21st Century,” focused on the transformative journey of returning to Allah Almighty through the process of tawbah (repentance). Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri began by highlighting the importance of realigning one’s spiritual direction, using the analogy of navigation systems. He explained that no matter how far one travels, if the direction is incorrect, the destination cannot be reached. Similarly, while acts of worship may seem outwardly impressive, if the intention and purpose behind them are misaligned with seeking the pleasure of Allah ﷻ, the spiritual benefits are lost.

The lecture emphasised that tawbah is not merely an act of verbal repentance but a conscious decision to “take a U-turn” from sin and misguidance, redirecting oneself towards Allah ﷻ. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri explained that Allah’s mercy is infinite and ever-welcoming, describing how Allah ﷻ rejoices more than a lost traveller who finds their camel in the desert when His servant returns to Him. He also highlighted the profound beauty of Allah’s mercy, sharing a narration where Allah ﷻ forgave a man who repented repeatedly—even 70 times—showing how divine forgiveness is always accessible.

Further, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri expounded on the conditions of tawbah: sincere regret for past sins, immediately ceasing sinful behaviour, resolving never to return to sin, and making amends for any wrongs done to others. He stressed that while Allah’s mercy is vast, injustices committed against others require reconciliation with the wronged party before seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri then discussed the various levels of tawbah. At its most basic, repentance involves abandoning overt sins and disobedience. However, for those spiritually advanced, tawbah extends to seeking forgiveness for moments of heedlessness and even for allowing thoughts unrelated to Allah ﷻ to preoccupy the heart. He encouraged the attendees to embrace this transformative process, cleansing their hearts and committing to spiritual reform.

A significant portion of the lecture was devoted to the power of suhba (companionship) in shaping spiritual progress. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri outlined the immense influence of good company in fostering righteousness and bad company in leading one astray. Using the analogy of a perfume shop and a blacksmith’s workshop, he explained that even incidental exposure to good company leaves one spiritually enriched, while association with negative influences taints the heart. He highlighted how social media has extended the scope of suhba, urging attendees to use technology to connect with virtuous content and avoid the spiritual corrosion caused by consuming harmful media.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri also underscored the importance of seeking guidance from spiritual mentors or teachers, likening them to coaches who guide individuals towards success. Without such mentorship, a seeker risks losing their way on the spiritual path. He narrated anecdotes of saints and scholars who benefited immensely from the companionship of righteous individuals and encouraged attendees to seek similar mentorship in their lives.