THE EXCELLENCE OF TAWBAH
Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “All children of Ādam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent.”
(أخرجه الترمذي وابن ماجه والحاكم وصححه)
On the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “One who repents from a sin is like one who has committed no sin at all.”
(أخرجه ابن ماجه والطبرانى باسناد صحيح)
NOTE
Our pious predecessors have advised that if one sincerely repents daily before retiring; it literally wipes the slate clean. Our Mashaa’ikh have therefore stressed the need for repentance with steadfastness.
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has advised that even if one knows that he will not be firm in his resolve after making Tawbah; make Tawbah daily because Tawbah is a virtue. Virtues create spiritual strength and expel darkness. By the blessings of continuous Tawbah, one will be granted the tawfeeq to stay away from disobedience.
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FEAR AS AN AID IN MA’RIFAH & TAWBAH
On the authority of Hazrat Shaddād ibn Aws رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Repentance washes away sins and good deeds erase evil deeds. And if a servant remembers his Lord at times of ease, He shall save him at times of distress. That is so because Allah Most High says (i.e. in a Hadīth Qudsi): ‘I shall not let My servant have together two sorts of security, nor shall I let My servant have together two sorts of fear. If he does not fear Me in this world, he shall fear Me on the Day on which I gather My servants. And if he fears Me in this world, I shall grant him security in Hazīrat al Quds (i.e. Paradise), and there shall be for him everlasting peace and security, and I shall not cause him to perish along with those whom I cause to perish.'”
(أخرجه أبو نعيم)
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WHEN A SERVANT REPENTS…
Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “When a servant repents, then Allah makes the recording angels forget his sins. And He also causes his limbs and the earth to forget, until he meets Allah, and there is no one to bear witness against him in front of Allah regarding his sin.”
(أخرجه ابن عساكر)
In another Hadīth narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه where he has reported Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم as having said; “If you were to commit sins until your sins reach heaven, and thereafter repent, then Allah will surely accept your repentance.”
(أخرجه ابن ماجه باسناد جيد)
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REPENTANCE IS REGRET
Hazrat Ibn Mas’ood رضي الله عنه has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
الندم توبة
“Repentance is regret.”
(أخرجه الحاكم باسناد صحيح)
On the authority of Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Ā’ishah رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
ما علم الله من عبد ندامة على ذنب الا غفر الله له قبل أن يستغفره منه
“When Allah knows that a servant regrets his having committed a sin, He forgives him even before he seeks forgiveness.”
(كذا فى الترغيب ص٩٨ج٤)
N O T E
Shafeequl Ummah Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Farooq Sahib رحمه الله has shared that regret is the condition of the heart where a believer expresses sorrow, grief and guilt at his shameful behaviour. The believer becomes conscience-stricken; with a genuine sadness and conviction, he seeks to sincerely ask forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله for his acts of disobedience.
The first step of Tawbah is where the servant acknowledges his sins and becomes ashamed of what he has done.
The second step is to repent and at the same time making a pledge not to commit the sin again.
The third step is where the servant acknowledges his absolute helplessness and realises that he will slip into sin – he thereafter implores Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله to grant him steadfastness on obedience through His Mercy and Intervention.
This sequence is necessary to achieve true submission and humility in one’s temperament.
May Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله assist us in fortifying our commitment towards His pleasure and obedience.
آمين يارب العالمين
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EXHORTATION TOWARDS TAWBAH
Hazrat Jābir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنه has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah said; “O people! Turn in repentance to your Lord, before you die; and exert yourself in doing good deeds before you are preoccupied (with anything else).”
(أخرجه البيهقي وابن ماجه)
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THE VASTNESS OF ALLAH TA’ALA’S MERCIES
It has been reported by Hazrat Abu Mūsa رضي الله عنه that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “On the Day of Qiyāmah some people from among the Muslims shall come with sins equal to mountains. Allah shall forgive them their sins and cast them unto the Jews (because the Jews play a vital role in spreading indecency, drinking liquor, devouring interest, etc.”
(أخرجه مسلم)
NOTE
Our Mashaa’ikh have said that the mercy of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله is infinite and it is the desire of our Rabb جل جلاله to grant us salvation. A simple example is presented where if a child is guilty of any wrongdoing, the mother will stubbornly protest the innocence of her child despite the wrongdoing. The mother, out of attachment and love, will say that her child is innocent but rather that he was adversely influenced by bad company.
The bounties of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله are limitless. In exactly the same manner where the mother believes in the innocence of her child, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله will conceal the faults of the believer and apportion the blame of the acts of disobedience on those who have been instrumental in deviating the believer.
When the believer learns of the magnanimity of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله ; will he still be obstinate in transgression or will he mend his ways in gratitude?
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NEVER LOOK AT OTHERS WITH CONTEMPT
On the authority of Hazrat Jundub رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “A man (from among the people who lived before us) said: ‘Allah shall not forgive such and such person.’ Allah then inspired into a Prophet from among the Prophets that saying something like that is a tremendous sin, and that person should start doing good afresh (because his words have ruined his deeds).”
(اخرجه الطبراني)
REFLECTIONS
It is a common mistake in our lives where we regard others with contempt and pass judgement that they will be inmates of Jahannum. Shafeequl Ummah Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Farooq Sahib رحمه الله has stressed that we reflect on the reality of life; ask ourselves:
a) Who has granted us the tawfeeq to do good?
b) Who has given us the strength to refrain from sins?
Undoubtedly, it is the mercy of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله upon us where He has inclined our hearts towards virtuous deeds. It is a further blessing that Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله has allowed us to perform virtuous deeds. What right do we have to be proud of our actions when it is Allah Ta’alaجل جلاله Alone who has intervened on our behalf. Furthermore, when we witness others involved in transgression, supplicate for their guidance and at the same time plead for istiqaamat (steadfastness). Never regard any virtuous deed as an accomplishment because Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله knows full well the state of our hearts and whether the deed is accepted or not. A believer has to always exercise caution and be fearful of displeasing Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله .
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EXPIATION OF SINS…
On the authority of Hazrat Mu’āz ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “The darkness in the grave expiates for each and every sin committed by a Muslim which had remained unforgiven so far.”
(أخرجه الرافعى)
On the authority of Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Death is an expiation for every Muslim (i.e. because of the pain one has to suffer at the time one’s soul is extracted).”
(لما يصيبه من الام النزع وغيرها)
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FACTORS THAT ARE IMPEDIMENTS TOWARDS REPENTANCE
Hazrat Wāthila رضي الله عنه has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Whoever goes to a soothsayer and asks him about something, his repentance shall not be accepted for forty nights. And whoever believes in what he said has become an infidel.”
(أخرجه الطبراني)
Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Allah leaves the repentance of an innovator unaccepted until he gives up innovation.”
(رواه الطبراني باسناد حسن، كذا فى الترغيب ص٨٢ج١)
(Bid’ah which has been translated here as ‘innovation’ refers to an innovation in matters of religion)
On the authority of Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Ā’ishah رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “There is repentance for every thing, except for ill manners and immorality – since whenever such a person repents from a sin, he does something worse than that.” (i.e. displaying his ill manners and lack of morality)
(أخرجه الطبراني والاصبهانى)
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CRYING OVER ONE’S SINS
On the authority of Hazrat ‘Uqbah bin ‘Āmir رضي الله عنه who once posed a question to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم who advised him; “Hold your tongue, let your house be spacious enough for you (i.e. do not go out unnecessarily) and cry over your sins.”
(أخرجه الترمذي وحسنه والبيهقي وابن أبى الدنيا كذا فى الترغيب ص٢٣٢ ج٣)
Hazrat Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله has written in ‘An Exposition Of The Hearts’ that when Hazrat Khidr عليه السلام decided to part ways with Sayyiduna Mûsa عليه السلام; the latter sought some advice. Hazrat Khidr عليه السلام advised him; “O Mûsa! Beware of stubbornness. Do not go anywhere without any real need. Do not laugh without there being anything astonishing. Do not insult the sinners. Cry over your mistakes.”
Al-Hasan رحمه الله passed by a youngster when the latter was laughing, so he said to him; “O my son! Have you crossed the Sirāt (the bridge over Jahannum which every person will have to cross)?”
The young man replied; “No.”
Hazrat Hasan رحمه الله then asked; “Has it become obvious to you that you are going to enter into Jannah?”
The young man replied; “No.”
The respected saint asked; “Then what are you laughing for?”
It has been reported that the youngster was never seen laughing after that. It is thus essential that we attune ourselves to securing our salvation in the Aakhirah and involve ourselves in those actions which will earn the mercy and pleasure of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. May Allah Ta’alaجل جلاله guide us towards creating a true concern in our temperaments.
آمين يارب العالمين
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THE TIMES OF REPENTANCE
On the authority of Hazrat Abu Mûsa رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Indeed, Allah stretches out His hand at night so that one who wrought evil during the day may repent, and He stretches out His hand during the day so that one who wrought evil at night may repent, until the sun rises from the west.”
(أخرجه مسلم والنسائي، كذا فى الترغيب ص٨٨ج٤)
On the authority of Hazrat Safwān ibn ‘Assāl رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Towards the west there is a gate of which is a distance of forty or seventy years. Allah opened this gate for repentance on the same day on which He created the heavens and the earth, and He shall not close it until the sun rises from the west.”
(أخرجه الترمذي والبيهقي هكذا فى الترغيب ص٨٨ ج٤)
On the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Truly, Allah accepts a slave’s repentance as long as his breath does not rattle (i.e. as long as the signs of death do not appear).”
(أخرجه ابن ماجه والترمذي وحسنه)
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THE LAST THIRD OF THE NIGHT
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Every night Allah Most High descends to the lowest heaven; and says during the last third of the night: ‘Who is there to call unto Me so that I could answer him? Who is there to ask of Me so that I could give him? Who is there to ask Me for forgiveness so that I could forgive him?'”
(أخرجه البخاري ومسلم)
N O T E
People have time for various activities in their lives; can we not make a little sacrifice and put our pleas before Allah Ta’alaجل جلاله knowing full well that He is waiting for us to petition Him for our needs?
The last third of the night has been treasured by the pious and it is undoubtedly the door to ma’rifah and acceptance. The duaas made at this time is like an arrow guaranteed not to miss the target.
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THE BLESSINGS OF SAJDAH
On the authority of Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “A servant is closest to his Lord while he is prostrating, so supplicate abundantly (during prostration).”
(أخرجه مسلم وغيره)
REFLECTIONS
It is indeed a great mercy upon us that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم has informed the Ummah of the bounty of supplication in Sajdah. It is therefore essential that we implore Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله in a manner where we are closest to Him; i.e. in Sajdah. Furthermore, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله loves humility and a servant expresses his absolute helplessness in Sajdah.
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A LONG LIFE MEANS MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO REPENT
Hazrat Jābir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنه has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “It is a matter of good fortune for a person, when his life is long, and Allah grants him willingness to repent.”
(أخرجه الحاكم وصححه، كذا فى الترغيب ص٩٠ ج٤)
On the authority of Hazrat Abu Zar رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Whoever does good during whatever remains (of his life) shall be forgiven for whatever has passed (of sins), and whoever works evil during whatever remains (of his life) shall be taken to task for whatever has passed and whatever is left.”
(كذا فى الترغيب ص١٠٥ ج٤)
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THE INTERCESSION OF SAYYIDUNA RASOOLULLAH صلى الله عليه وسلم
On the authority of Hazrat Jābir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنه who has reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “My intercession is for those people from among my Ummah who have committed major sins.”
(أخرجه أحمد، وأبو داود، والنسائي، وابن ماجه، والحاكم)
Hazrat Abu Mūsa رضي الله عنه has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “I was given an option to choose either intercession or have half my Ummah admitted to Paradise; so I chose intercession, for it is more comprehensive and it serves its purpose in a better way. It is not for the pious believers (alone), it is also for those who have committed sins, made mistakes and those who were struck by misfortune.”
أخرجه أحمد والطبرانى باسناد جيد
At this juncture, let us sincerely reflect on the mercy of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله that he has afforded us the privilege of being from the Ummah of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم; not through any goodness from our side but rather through His choice. This gives testimony that Allah Ta’ala undoubtedly loves us intensely so that we may experience the intercession of His Mahboob صلى الله عليه وسلم. It thus becomes an obligation upon us to express shukr (gratitude) unto Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله for this blessing which has been endowed upon us.
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