Allah's Messenger, I sported with a woman in the outskirts of Medina, and I have committed an offence short of fornication. Here I am (before you), kindly deliver verdict about me which you deem fit. Unar said: Allah concealed your fault. You had better conceal it yourself also. Allah's Apostle (ﷺ), however, gave no reply to him. The man stood up and went away and Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) sent a person after him to call him and be recited this verse:" And observe prayer at the ends of the day and in the first hours of the night. Surely, good deeds take away evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful" (xi. 115). A person amongst the people said: Allah's Apostle, does it concern this marn only? Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: No, but the people at large.
Narrated by 'Abdullah reported that a person came to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) and said:
Context
In this hadith, a man approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to confess a sin he committed with a woman, seeking a verdict. Umar, a companion, advised the man to conceal his fault as Allah had done. The Prophet (ﷺ) did not respond immediately but later sent someone to remind the man of the Quranic verse emphasizing prayer and good deeds that erase bad ones. This illustrates the importance of repentance and the mercy of Allah towards those who seek forgiveness.
Modern Application
In today's world, this hadith encourages individuals to seek forgiveness for their mistakes rather than publicizing them. It highlights the importance of personal accountability and the transformative power of good deeds, reminding us that everyone has the opportunity for redemption through sincere repentance and positive actions.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Repentance and Divine Mercy because it emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness for one's sins and highlights Allah's mercy in accepting repentance.
And [remember] when the Prophet confided to one of his wives a statement; and when she informed [another] of it and Allah showed it to him, he made known part of it and ignored a part. And when he informed her about it, she said, "Who told you this?" He said, "I was informed by the Knowing, the Acquainted."
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.
There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. Allah knows that you will have them in mind. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine to undertake a marriage contract until the decreed period reaches its end. And know that Allah knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.
O Prophet, when the believing women come to you pledging to you that they will not associate anything with Allah, nor will they steal, nor will they commit unlawful sexual intercourse, nor will they kill their children, nor will they bring forth a slander they have invented between their arms and legs, nor will they disobey you in what is right - then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness for them of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
And the two who commit it among you, dishonor them both. But if they repent and correct themselves, leave them alone. Indeed, Allah is ever Accepting of repentance and Merciful.
This hadith is #6831 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Repentance. It is graded Sahih and narrated by 'Abdullah reported that a person came to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) and said:.