Hadith #1647

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَعَ الإنابَةِ تَكُونُ المَغْفِرَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

It is by returning [to Allah] that forgiveness is gained.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (inabah) "إنابة" in this Hadith refers to the act of turning back to Allah in repentance and seeking His forgiveness. It signifies a sincere and heartfelt return to the path of righteousness after realizing one's mistakes and sins. This act of repentance is not merely a superficial apology, but a genuine transformation of the heart and a commitment to change one's ways.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to Allah in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 24:31)

And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.

This verse highlights that true success lies in sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Hud, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 11:52)

And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength.

This verse illustrates the connection between repentance and forgiveness, as well as the blessings and mercy that follow.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that forgiveness is attained through sincere repentance and returning to Allah. This means that when a person acknowledges their mistakes, feels remorse, and seeks forgiveness from Allah with a sincere heart, they open the doors to His mercy and forgiveness. It is through this act of turning back to Allah that one can find solace, peace, and redemption.

The consequences of not seeking forgiveness and turning back to Allah are severe. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns, (Quran 49:11)

And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights that those who persist in their sins without seeking repentance are considered wrongdoers in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions and seek forgiveness from Allah. It encourages us to reflect on our shortcomings, rectify our behavior, and strive for spiritual growth. By sincerely turning back to Allah, we can attain His forgiveness, mercy, and ultimately, salvation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forgiveness is not a distant and unattainable goal. Rather, it is within our reach when we sincerely repent and return to Allah. Let us strive to embody the spirit of repentance and seek forgiveness from Allah, for it is through this act that we can find solace, purification, and eternal bliss. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of repentance and grant us His forgiveness.