Question
What is the meaning of the following Hadith?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: ‘By that being in whose control/possession lies my soul, if you did not sin, Allah [Ta’ala] would have had way with you and brought a nation that would sin and then seek forgiveness from Allah. He would then forgive them.’
Answer
Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2749; Also see: here)
The ‘Ulama have explained that this Hadith should not be understood as an encouragement to sin. Instead, it highlights Allah Ta’ala’s mercy and forgiveness. This Hadith should be viewed as an encouragement for wrongdoers that have sinned, to repent and make tawbah.
Just as Allah Ta’ala loves showing kindness to those who do good, He also loves forgiving those who have done wrong.
(Mirqat, Hadith: 2328; Also see: Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 7487)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar