Will sins be exposed on the Day of Judgment after repentance?

My cousin reached maturity at the age of nine and, unfortunately, committed many sins, none of which were major. Now they are a teenager and are trying to improve, but they fear that Allah will expose their sins on the Day of Judgment.

Dear Brother / Sister,

A person who has not yet reached puberty is not held accountable for sins. If they cause harm to someone, compensation is paid by their guardian.

If a person commits sins after reaching puberty, they should repent and hope for forgiveness. A sincere repentance renders the sin as though it had never been committed.

As stated in a hadith:

“The one who repents from sin is like one who has no sin.” (Ibn Mājah, Zuhd 30)

On the Day of Judgment, if a servant has repented sincerely and their sins have been forgiven, those sins will not be exposed. What matters is sincere remorse and the intention not to return to the sin.

The key elements of repentance, based on scholarly sources, may be summarized as follows:

Sincere Remorse

One must feel genuine regret in the heart, recognize the wrongdoing, and feel sorrow. Allah loves those who repent. (See Āl ʿImrān, 3:135)

Firm Intention Not to Return

One must be determined not to go back to the sin and make a firm commitment.

Making Up Through Worship

If obligatory acts such as prayer, fasting, or zakāh were neglected, they should be made up.

Rights of Others

If the sin involves the rights of another person, one must seek their forgiveness.

In summary:

Your cousin’s sins committed before puberty are not held against them.

As for sins committed after puberty, sincere repentance is sufficient, and there is no need to fear.

Questions on Islam