Hadith #9323

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and feeling remorse when one commits a wrong or a sin. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (kayyis) "كَيِّسُ", which can be translated as "sagacious" or "wise." This word implies a person who possesses deep insight, understanding, and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that true wisdom lies in recognizing our mistakes and taking the necessary steps to rectify them.

The Hadith begins by stating, (itha asaa astaghfara) "إذا أساءَ اِسْتَغْفَرَ", meaning

when he does wrong, he seeks forgiveness.

Seeking forgiveness is an act of humility and acknowledgment of our fallibility as human beings. It is a means of purifying our souls and seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness. The Quran affirms the importance of seeking forgiveness in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 199:

(Quran 2:199)

Then, when you have finished [your duties], remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times. And do not weaken in pursuit of the enemy. If you should be suffering - so are they suffering as you are suffering, but you expect from Allah that which they expect not. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.

This verse reminds us to remember Allah and seek His forgiveness in all circumstances, whether in times of ease or hardship. It highlights the importance of maintaining a constant connection with Allah and seeking His guidance and forgiveness.

The second part of the Hadith states, (wa itha adhnaba nadima) "وإذا أذْنَبَ نَدِمَ", meaning

when he commits a sin, he regrets.

This emphasizes the significance of feeling remorse and regret for our wrongdoings. Regret is a manifestation of a sincere heart and a sign of true repentance. It shows that we recognize the gravity of our actions and are genuinely striving to improve ourselves.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of regret and repentance in Surah At-Tahrim, verse 8:

(Quran 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 [on] the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will proceed before them and on their right; they will say, 'Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent.'

This verse encourages believers to repent sincerely to Allah and seek His forgiveness. It assures us that sincere repentance can lead to the forgiveness of our sins and the attainment of Paradise.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that seeking forgiveness and feeling remorse are not only acts of humility and repentance but also essential for personal growth and spiritual development. By acknowledging our mistakes and striving to rectify them, we can purify our souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of seeking forgiveness and feeling remorse. His teachings are rooted in the Quranic principles of repentance and forgiveness. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the qualities of a (kayyis) "كَيِّسُ" and continuously seek forgiveness and repentance for our wrongdoings, knowing that Allah is the Most Merciful and Forgiving.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek forgiveness and feel remorse for our sins, and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.