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