A Phenomenological Analysis of the Ethical Experience of Repentance in Islamic Jurisprudential and Moral Texts

Abstract

This study seeks to understand the ethical experience of repentance in Islamic jurisprudential and moral literature through a descriptive phenomenological approach. Classical texts by Sheikh Mufid, Nasir al-Din Tusi, and Allameh Tabataba’i were analyzed. The findings identified five central themes in the ethical experience of repentance: “Moral Regret,” “Recognition of Error,” “Commitment to Reform,” “Acceptance of Ethical Responsibility,” and “Rebuilding the Relationship with God.” These themes reflect the deeply moral nature of repentance in Islamic Shari‘a and can inform ethical education and spiritual development frameworks.