Can this narration be quoted?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the slave of Allah commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. When he refrains from it, seeks forgiveness and repents, his heart is polished clean.”
Answer
Yes, this narration has been deemed authentic by the Muhaddithun.
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith. The full narration is as follows:
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a person commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. When he desists, seeks forgiveness and repents, his heart becomes clean. If he persists with the sin, the [black spot] increases until it covers his heart. This is the stain/rust referred to in the Verse, ‘Never! In fact the rust/stain of their [sins] has covered their hearts.’ (Surah Al Mutaffifin, Verse: 14)
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3334)
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith authentic (hasanun sahih). Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has also declared the Hadith authentic.
(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 2787)
Also see here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar