Hadith #6476

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,

ما أُعْتِبَ مَنِ اغْتَفَرَ (افْتَقَرَ)

which translates to

He who seeks forgiveness (or is indigent) is not reprimanded.

This Hadith highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and the compassionate nature of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) towards those who acknowledge their mistakes and turn to Him in repentance.

The word (u'tiba) "أُعْتِبَ" in the Hadith refers to being reprimanded or blamed for one's actions. It implies facing the consequences or being held accountable for one's mistakes. On the other hand, the word (iqtara) "اغْتَفَرَ" means seeking forgiveness or repentance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It signifies acknowledging one's faults, regretting them, and seeking Allah's mercy and pardon.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 199, Allah says,

Then, when you have finished [your rites], remember Allah as you remember your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and he will have in the Hereafter no share. But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the need to remember Allah and seek His forgiveness, as it is a means of attaining goodness in this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 153, Allah says,

But those who committed misdeeds and then repented after them and believed - indeed your Lord, thereafter, is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah. It reassures the believers that Allah is indeed Forgiving and Merciful towards those who turn to Him in sincere repentance.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that seeking forgiveness is not something to be reprimanded for, but rather it is a noble act that brings us closer to Allah's mercy and forgiveness. It reminds us that no matter how great our sins may be, Allah's mercy is greater. When we acknowledge our mistakes and sincerely seek forgiveness, we open the doors of His mercy and blessings upon ourselves.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to constantly seek forgiveness and strive to improve themselves. It encourages us to reflect on our actions, identify our shortcomings, and actively seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we purify our hearts, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and strive towards becoming better individuals.

The consequences of seeking forgiveness are immense. Not only does it bring us closer to Allah's mercy, but it also helps us attain inner peace and tranquility. When we sincerely seek forgiveness, we free ourselves from the burden of guilt and regret. We experience a sense of relief and contentment, knowing that we have turned to Allah and sought His forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking forgiveness and highlights the compassionate nature of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) towards those who repent. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the significance of seeking forgiveness and turning to Allah in repentance. Seeking forgiveness is not something to be reprimanded for, but rather it is a noble act that brings us closer to Allah's mercy and forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek His forgiveness sincerely and regularly.