Hadith #4227

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us not to lose hope in a sinner, as there is always a possibility of their repentance and forgiveness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by highlighting the case of a person who is deeply engrossed in their sins. Despite their continuous involvement in sinful acts, there is still hope for them to be forgiven by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this advice, let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this hadith. The word (mudniban) "مُذْنِباً" refers to a sinner, someone who has committed wrongdoings and transgressions. The term (aakif) "عاكِف" describes a person who is deeply engrossed or occupied with a particular action or state, in this case, their sins. The word (khatama) "خُتِمَ" means to be sealed or marked, indicating the final outcome or consequence of one's actions. (maghfirah) "المَغْفِرَةِ" refers to forgiveness, while (mufsiddun) "مُفْسِدٌ" means someone who corrupts or spoils something.

To support the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Az-Zumar (39:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

This verse emphasizes the infinite mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and encourages us not to lose hope in His forgiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hijr (15:49), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of forgiveness and mercy. He is ever ready to forgive those who sincerely repent and turn back to Him, regardless of the magnitude of their sins.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us not to judge or condemn individuals based on their past actions. We should not dishearten or discourage sinners, as they may still have the opportunity to seek forgiveness and rectify their ways. It is our duty as Muslims to offer support, guidance, and encouragement to those who have strayed from the right path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also warns us about the danger of becoming complacent in our virtuous actions. He highlights the possibility of someone who initially embarks on a righteous path but ends up corrupting their deeds towards the end of their life. This serves as a reminder for us to remain steadfast and sincere in our good actions until our last breath.

To illustrate this point, we can refer to Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:27-29), where the story of the sons of Adam (peace be upon them) is narrated. One of the sons, Qabil (Cain), initially embarked on a virtuous action by offering a sacrifice to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). However, due to envy and arrogance, he corrupted his good deed by killing his brother Habil (Abel). This tragic example emphasizes the importance of maintaining sincerity and righteousness throughout our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this hadith urges us to reflect on our own actions and intentions. We should not become complacent in our good deeds, but rather strive to maintain sincerity and righteousness until the end. Similarly, we should not lose hope in the potential for repentance and forgiveness for those who have strayed from the right path.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice in this hadith reminds us of the infinite mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It teaches us not to dishearten sinners, as they may still have the opportunity to seek forgiveness and change their ways. It also serves as a reminder for us to remain steadfast and sincere in our good actions until the end of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us His forgiveness.