Question
Whoever suffers injury to his body by someone in any way and he leaves it for the sake of Allah, it will be an expiation for him
What is the meaning of ‘Leaving it for the sake of Allah’?
Answer
Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration:
“Whoever suffers [injury] to his body, and leaves it for the sake of Allah, that will be a means of expiation for him [i.e. for his sins]”
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 5 pg. 412)
‘Leaving it for the sake of Allah’ refers to forgiving the perpetrator and not demanding the compensation or blood money. ‘Sins’ in this Hadith refers to minor sins.
(Refer: Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 8460)
Note:
In Musnad Ahmad, the Hadith is recorded –marfu’an– as a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 5 pg. 412, Darul Hadith edition, Darul Minhaj edition and Muassasatur Risalah edition)
However, ‘Allamah Mundhiri, ‘Allamah Ibn Kathir and ‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahumullah) have cited this narration from Musnad Ahmad –mawqufan– as the statement of an unnamed Sahabi.
(Targhib, vol. 3 pg. 306, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Al Maidah, Verse: 45, vol. 3 pg. 411 and Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 6 pg. 302
Nevertheless, similar narrations are recorded as statements of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). See here
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar