Hadith #10151

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

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

الندم على الخطيئة يمحوها

which translates to

Being remorseful for a misdeed causes it to be wiped off.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of repentance and the power it holds in seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (al-nadam) "الندم" refers to remorse or regret, a feeling of deep sorrow and repentance for committing a sin. It signifies a genuine acknowledgment of one's wrongdoing and a sincere desire to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (al-khatiyyah) "الخطيئة" refers to a misdeed or a sin, an action that goes against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The exegesis of this Hadith can be supported by several Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Tahrim (66:8),

O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincere repentance and highlights the possibility of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) forgiving our sins and granting us entry into Paradise.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reassures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Most Forgiving and Merciful, and no sin is beyond His forgiveness if we sincerely repent and seek His forgiveness.

The exegesis of this Hadith by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a profound lesson. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always ready to forgive His servants if they sincerely repent and feel genuine remorse for their misdeeds. Remorse is not merely a feeling of guilt, but a catalyst for change and improvement. It is a sign of true repentance and a step towards seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When we reflect upon this Hadith, we realize that remorse is not a passive emotion but an active force that motivates us to rectify our actions and seek forgiveness. It compels us to evaluate our behavior, acknowledge our mistakes, and strive to avoid repeating them. Remorse leads to self-reflection and self-improvement, enabling us to grow spiritually and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, the Hadith also highlights the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we sincerely repent and feel remorse for our sins, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wipes away our misdeeds, erasing them from our records. This demonstrates the infinite mercy and compassion of our Creator, who is ever-willing to forgive His repentant servants.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of remorse in seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes the power of sincere repentance and the transformative effect it has on our spiritual journey. By feeling genuine remorse for our misdeeds, we not only seek forgiveness but also strive to improve ourselves and become better Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to sincerely repent and seek His forgiveness.