Do explicit photos and videos harm my repentance?

In the past, I had photos and videos that were not in accordance with proper Islamic covering (ḥijāb); some of them may be in the possession of others. Is it necessary to have them deleted, or does this situation harm my repentance?

Dear Brother / Sister,

First, let us clarify this: sincere repentance erases past sins.

At present, you have become conscious, you have begun observing ḥijāb, and you have abandoned your former state. This is very valuable in the sight of Allah.

1. Is it necessary to delete what is in your possession?

If there are photos and videos under your control, deleting them—or at least preventing them from being shown to others—is appropriate and good.

This is a completion of repentance. It is a sign of modesty and sensitivity.

2. What about those in the possession of others?

This is the main part of your question. If those images are not under your control, and you do not have the ability to delete them or cannot access them, you are not responsible for them. Because in Islam, the rule is: a person is not responsible for what is beyond their capacity.

3. Does it affect repentance?

No, it does not harm your repentance in any way. Because the conditions of repentance are: abandoning the sin, feeling remorse, and resolving not to commit it again.

You have done all of these. The fact that old images may still exist somewhere does not invalidate your repentance or affect your current state.

4. The best thing to do

If possible, you may kindly ask for them to be deleted, or at least request that they not be shared. But if this is not possible, you may keep your heart at ease.

Alḥamdulillāh, you have changed and chosen the right path; what matters in the sight of Allah is this, not your past.

Conclusion

• Deleting what is in your possession is good and appropriate.
• You are not responsible for what is beyond your control.
• Your repentance is valid and unaffected.

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