Hadith #1634

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "المُقِرُّ بِالذُّنُوبِ تائِبٌ" which translates to

One who confesses his sins [and feels regret] is repentant.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of acknowledging our sins and feeling remorse for them in order to attain true repentance.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance. The word (al-muqirr) "المُقِرُّ" refers to the one who confesses or admits their sins. This confession is not merely a verbal acknowledgment, but it encompasses a deep sense of remorse and regret for the wrongdoings committed. It is an admission of one's mistakes and a recognition of the need for repentance.

The word (bidhunub) "بِالذُّنُوبِ" refers to sins or transgressions. It encompasses all actions, thoughts, or words that go against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is important to note that sins can be both major and minor, and acknowledging them is the first step towards seeking forgiveness.

The word (ta'ib) "تائِبٌ" signifies repentance. It refers to a sincere and genuine return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) after realizing one's mistakes. It involves a heartfelt remorse for the sins committed, a firm intention to abstain from them in the future, and a commitment to make amends.

The importance of confessing sins and feeling regret is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:23):

They said, 'Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.'

This verse showcases the humility and repentance of Prophet Adam and Hawwa (Eve) after they disobeyed Allah's command.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Tahrim (66:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it highlights the significance of self-reflection and introspection. By acknowledging our sins and feeling remorse, we become aware of our shortcomings and are motivated to rectify them. This self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and spiritual development.

Secondly, this Hadith emphasizes the concept of repentance as a means of seeking Allah's forgiveness. True repentance involves not only admitting our sins but also making a sincere effort to change our ways and seek forgiveness from Allah. It is a process of transformation and renewal, enabling us to purify our souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

Thirdly, this Hadith reminds us of the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we sincerely repent and seek His forgiveness, Allah, out of His infinite mercy, forgives our sins and grants us the opportunity to start afresh. It is a testament to His boundless compassion and His willingness to accept the repentance of His servants.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of confessing our sins, feeling remorse, and seeking repentance. It reminds us that true repentance is not just a verbal declaration but a sincere and transformative process. By acknowledging our mistakes and seeking forgiveness from Allah, we can attain spiritual growth and draw closer to our Creator. May Allah guide us all on the path of repentance and forgiveness.