Said by: Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as)
Status: ✅ Verified reference
Reference: Al-Kafi (Shaykh al-Kulayni), Volume 2, Kitab al-Iman wa al-Kufr, Chapter 188 (Bab al-Iqrar bi al-Dhunub — Confessing Sins and Regret for It), Hadith 1.
Arabic — core saying (excerpt):
وَاللهِ مَا يَنْجُو مِنَ الذَّنْبِ إِلَّا مَنْ أَقَرَّ بِهِ… كَفَى بِالنَّدَمِ تَوْبَةً
English translation:
"By Allah, no one escapes from a sin except the one who confesses it." And: "Regret alone is enough as repentance."
Explanation: Repentance starts in the heart, not on the tongue. Admitting the sin to Allah — honestly, without excuses — and feeling real regret is already repentance. A beginner does not need grand words; a sincere, sorry heart is the first step back to Allah.
Repentance starts in the heart, not on the tongue.