Hadith #10148

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Remorse is one of the two [forms of] repentance.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of remorse as an essential component of repentance. To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word "nadam" in Arabic refers to remorse or regret. It is a feeling of deep sorrow and repentance for a past action or decision. It is a state of acknowledging one's mistakes and feeling a genuine sense of guilt and remorse. The word "tawbah" means repentance, which is the act of turning back to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with sincerity, seeking forgiveness for one's sins and resolving to abandon them.

To further comprehend the significance of remorse in repentance, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincere repentance, which includes remorse for one's past actions. It is through genuine remorse that a person recognizes their wrongdoings, feels regret, and seeks forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Remorse is a catalyst for change and transformation, as it motivates individuals to rectify their behavior and seek forgiveness.

Another verse that sheds light on the significance of remorse is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. When a person sincerely feels remorse for their past actions and turns to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in repentance, seeking His forgiveness, it is Allah who guides them towards the right path. Remorse is a means by which individuals humble themselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), acknowledging their mistakes and seeking His guidance and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the transformative power of remorse in the process of repentance. When a person sincerely feels remorse for their past actions, it serves as a catalyst for change and motivates them to seek forgiveness and rectify their behavior. Remorse is not merely a feeling of guilt, but a profound realization of one's mistakes and a genuine desire to make amends.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of remorse as an integral part of repentance. Remorse is a profound feeling of regret and guilt for one's past actions, which motivates individuals to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for positive change. It is through genuine remorse that individuals humble themselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His guidance and mercy. May we all strive to cultivate sincere remorse in our hearts and seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through true repentance.