How authentic is this Hadith?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily Allah has forgiven my ummah the evil promptings or desires of their hearts [i.e. the thought of carrying out a sin] as long as they do not act upon them or speak of them”
Answer
Imams Bukhari and Muslim (rahimahumallah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu). The Hadith is therefore authentic.
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2528, 5269, 6664 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 127)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar,
This Hadith definitely displays the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala towards this Ummah. This is through the barakah of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam).
However, one should be vigilant against evil thoughts/desires/fantasies, as these could lead one onto physically doing that actual deed, thereby becoming sinful.