Annulling Tawbah

Q 2: I am a single man who used to commit Zina (premarital sexual intercourse) and play cards. One day, I thought and intended to repent. I prayed two Rak`ahs in a Masjid (mosque) then I beseeched Allah to accept my repentance. However, later when I saw my friends playing cards before me, Satan - I seek refuge with Allah for him - overcame me and I played with them. I broke my repentance to Allah and played cards again. As for Zina, I have not committed it until now and I will never commit it again, Allah willing. By the favor and bounty of Allah, I made up my mind to renew my repentance concerning playing cards which I previously broke with Allah. Indeed, I renewed my repentance, so what is the Kaffarah (expiation) of breaking repentance? Is it possible to renew repentance after breaking it? Kindly advise. May Allah reward you. It is worth mentioning that I feel terrible and am troubled about breaking my repentance.

A: Acceptance of repentance has three conditions: 1- To admit guilt. 2- To repent of the sin. 3- To resolve never to repeat it again. If repentance is made due to the rights of individuals, a fourth conditions must be fulfilled which is to ask the individual forgiveness if it is impossible to return it to him. However, if it is returnable, one must return it unless the owner waives his right.The repentance you made is of the first kind, (Part No. 24; Page No. 321) so if the aforementioned conditions are fulfilled, repentance is valid. You must repent of returning to playing cards and seek Allah's forgiveness for the breach; Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) is Forgiving and Merciful.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.