Surah An-Nisa — Ayah 17 (4:17)
إِنَّمَا ٱلتَّوۡبَةُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ لِلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلسُّوٓءَ بِجَهَٰلَةٖ ثُمَّ يَتُوبُونَ مِن قَرِيبٖ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ يَتُوبُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِمۡۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمٗا ١٧
English translation (Saheeh International)
The repentance accepted by Allāh is only for those who do wrong in ignorance [or carelessness] and then repent soon [after].1 It is those to whom Allāh will turn in forgiveness, and Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.
- - Scholars have also interpreted "soon" to mean before death.
Brief commentary
Allah only turns in mercy and forgiveness to those who commit disobedience and overstep the limits out of foolishness and impulse, and who repent to Allah asking for His forgiveness before the time of their death. Allah forgives these people, by overlooking their disobedience. Allah knows the circumstances of people, and is Wise in His decree and sacred laws.