Hadith #10152

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الندم على الخطيئة استغفار

which translates to

Being remorseful for a misdeed is [a form of] repentance.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the important words used. (al-nadam) "الندم" refers to the feeling of remorse or regret that one experiences after committing a sin. It is a powerful emotion that arises from a genuine recognition of one's wrongdoing. (al-khatiyah) "الخطيئة" refers to a sin or transgression against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith emphasizes that feeling remorse for a misdeed is a form of repentance. Repentance, or (istighfar) "استغفار", is seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for our sins. It involves acknowledging our mistakes, regretting them, and resolving to abstain from repeating them in the future.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sincere repentance. In Surah Al-Tahrim (66:8), Allah says,

O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance.

This verse highlights the significance of genuine remorse and repentance as essential components of seeking Allah's forgiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:53), Allah assures us that He is the Most Merciful and Forgiving, stating,

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

This verse provides hope and encouragement for Muslims to turn to Allah in sincere repentance, knowing that His forgiveness is vast and encompassing.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that feeling remorse for our sins is not a futile emotion, but rather a crucial step towards seeking forgiveness from Allah. It serves as a catalyst for change and motivates us to rectify our actions. When we genuinely regret our misdeeds, we are more likely to refrain from repeating them and strive towards righteousness.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us that repentance is not limited to mere verbal expressions or rituals. It encompasses a profound transformation of the heart and a sincere commitment to amend our ways. It is a process that requires self-reflection, self-accountability, and a genuine desire to change for the better.

For example, if a person realizes they have been engaging in backbiting, feeling remorse for this sin would prompt them to reflect on the harm caused by their words. They would then seek forgiveness from Allah and make a sincere effort to refrain from backbiting in the future. This change in behavior and mindset is a manifestation of true repentance.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the significance of feeling remorse for our misdeeds as a form of repentance. It reminds us that repentance is not limited to verbal expressions but requires genuine regret and a commitment to change. By aligning ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and following the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive towards true repentance and seek the forgiveness and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to recognize our sins, feel genuine remorse, and seek His forgiveness.