"A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah! What do you say about a man who meets a woman and there is no acquaintance between them. So there is nothing that a man who would do with his wife but he does it with her, except that he does not have intercourse with her?'" He said: "So Allah revealed: And perform the Salat, at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful (11:114). So he ordered him to perform Wudu and Salat." Then Mu'adh said: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Is that specifically for him, or for the believers in general?' He said: 'Rather it is for the believers in general.'"
Narrated by Narrated Mu'adh bin Jabal:
Context
This hadith narrates the story of a man who approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding a moral dilemma involving a woman. The subsequent revelation emphasizes the importance of prayer and good deeds in overcoming sinful thoughts. The Prophet's (ﷺ) guidance highlights the role of divine instruction in addressing human challenges and the universal applicability of such guidance.
Modern Application
In daily life, this hadith encourages individuals to turn to prayer and good deeds as a means of seeking forgiveness and overcoming moral struggles. It serves as a reminder that engaging in acts of worship can help cleanse the heart and mind.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer, Repentance, and Good Deeds because it emphasizes the significance of prayer and good actions in seeking forgiveness and overcoming sinful thoughts.
O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
And they ask you about menstruation. Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."
And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.