Redemption of Sins Through Good Deeds
Sahih al-Bukhari 4687
Narrated Ibn Masud: A man kissed a woman and then came to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and told him of that, so this Divine Inspiration was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) ‘And offer Prayers perfectly at the two ends of the day, and in some hours of the night; (i.e. (five) compulsory prayers). Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (small sins) That is a reminder for the mindful.’ (11.114) The man said, Is this instruction for me only?’ The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “It is for all those of my followers who encounter a similar situation.”
Explanation of Hadith Sahih al-Bukhari 4687
This hadith narrates an incident where a man committed a minor sin (kissing a woman) and then approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with remorse and concern. In response, Allah revealed the Quranic verse (Surah Hud 11:114):
📖“And offer Prayers perfectly at the two ends of the day, and in some hours of the night; verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful.”
Upon hearing this, the man asked if this guidance applied only to him, and the Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that it applied to all believers who find themselves in similar situations.
Context and Key Lessons
1. Good Deeds Erase Minor Sins
- This hadith reinforces the concept that regular acts of worship, such as Salah (prayer), and other good deeds help erase minor sins.
- This is not an encouragement to sin, but rather a message of hope and mercy—if someone commits a minor sin out of human weakness, they should repent sincerely and continue performing good deeds.
2. This Applies Only to Minor Sins, Not Major Sins
- The hadith refers to minor sins (saghā’ir), which can be forgiven through good deeds like prayer, charity, and seeking forgiveness.
- Major sins (kabā’ir), such as adultery, murder, and deliberate theft, require sincere repentance (tawbah), seeking forgiveness from Allah, and, in some cases, specific penalties or legal consequences.
📖Quran 4:31
“If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance (Paradise).”
- This verse confirms that avoiding major sins leads to forgiveness of minor ones.
3. Mistakes and Actions Done Under Compulsion
- Islam recognizes human weakness and circumstances. If someone commits a wrong action by mistake or under compulsion (majboori), they are not held fully accountable as long as they did not intend harm.
- 📖Quran 2:286
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity…” - If someone was forced into committing a sin or acted due to overpowering emotions, they should sincerely repent and try to counterbalance it with good deeds.
4. Repentance Is Always Open
- This hadith highlights Allah’s mercy. Even when people stumble in minor sins, they should turn back to Allah, as He always accepts sincere repentance.
- Hadith (Sahih Muslim 2759a, b):
“Allah extends His hand in the night to accept the repentance of those who sinned in the day, and He extends His hand in the day to accept the repentance of those who sinned at night.” - Understanding “Hand” and “Night” in a Systematic Way:
- The “Hand of Allah” does not mean a physical hand like humans. Instead, it represents Allah’s system of mercy and acceptance of repentance, just as the sun and moon follow an ordered system.
- Day and night are not literal places in the heavens, but rather represent a continuous system where prayers and repentance are accepted at all times.
- Just as the sun, moon, and stars move in a precise orbit (Quran 21:33), Allah’s system of answering prayers and forgiving sins operates in a structured way beyond human comprehension.
📖Quran 55:29
Whoever is within the heavens and earth asks Him; every day He is bringing about a matter.
- This verse confirms that Allah’s system is constantly functioning, just like natural laws governing the universe.
Conclusion
This hadith teaches that good deeds can erase minor sins, but it does not mean that major sins are forgiven the same way—major sins require sincere repentance. It also reminds believers that if they make mistakes or commit sins under difficult circumstances, they should not despair but seek Allah’s mercy and continue doing righteous deeds.