Divine Mercy and Humility Lessons from the Hadith of Jundub bin Abdullah

Divine Mercy and Humility Lessons from the Hadith of Jundub bin AbdullahOn the authority of Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) related

Divine Mercy and Humility Lessons from the Hadith of Jundub bin Abdullah

A man said: By Allah, Allah will not forgive So-and-so. At this Allah the Almighty said: Who is he who swears by Me that I will not forgive So-and-so? Verily I have forgiven So-and-so and have nullified your [own good] deeds (1) (or as he said [it]).

(1) A similar Hadith, which is given by Abu Dawud, indicates that the person referred to was a goldly man whose previous good deeds were brought to nought through presuming to declare that Allah would not forgive someone’s bad deeds. It was related by Muslim.

عَنْ جُنْدُبٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ : أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى الله عَلَيْهِ وَ سَلَّمَ حَدَّثَ (أَنْ رجُلاً قال : واللهِ لا يَغْفِرُ اللهُ لِفُلانٍ وإِنَّ اللهَ تَعَالَى قَالَ : مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَتَأَلَّى عَلَيَّ أَنْ لا أَغْفِرَ لِفُلان،فَإِنِّي قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لِفُلانٍ، وأَحْبَطْتُ عَمَلَكَ (أَوْ كَمَا قَال

رواه مسلم

In Arabic

حديث عن جندب بن عبد الله: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إن رجلاً قال: والله لا يغفر الله لفلان، وإن الله تعالى قال: من ذا الذي يتألَّى عليَّ أن لا أغفر لفلان، فإني قد غفرت لفلان، وأحبطت عملك.”

In Urdu

جندب بن عبد اللہ کی حدیث: رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “ایک شخص نے کہا: واللہ العظیم، اللہ فلان کو معاف نہیں کرے گا. اور اللہ تعالی نے فرمایا: یہ کون ہے جو میرے ہم پر تسلط حاصل کرتا ہے کہ میں فلان کو معاف نہیں کرنے والا، بیشک میں نے اس کو معاف کر دیا ہے اور تمہارا عمل ضائع کر دیا ہے.”

In English

Hadith Narration by Jundub bin Abdullah

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “A man said: ‘By Allah, Allah will not forgive so-and-so.’ Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, said: ‘Who is it who swears by Me that I will not forgive So-and-so? I have forgiven So-and-so, and I have rendered your deeds fruitless.'”

This hadith emphasizes Allah’s mercy, cautioning against presuming who will or will not receive His forgiveness. It underscores the importance of humility and refraining from making sweeping judgments about others’ forgiveness.

Benefits of the Hadith

 Emphasis on Allah’s Mercy

• The hadith serves as a reminder of the immense mercy of Allah, highlighting that Allah forgives whom He chooses.

 Caution Against Arrogance

• It cautions against arrogance and presumption in passing judgments about who is deserving of Allah’s forgiveness.

Encourages Humility

• The hadith underscores the importance of humility, discouraging the making of sweeping judgments about others’ forgiveness.

 Acknowledgment of Divine Authority:

• The statement of Allah in the hadith emphasizes the ultimate authority of Allah in forgiving sins, discouraging individuals from making absolute statements about divine forgiveness.

 Discourages Negative Assumptions:

• The hadith discourages individuals from making negative assumptions about others’ standing with Allah, promoting a more positive and tolerant outlook.

 Validates the Power of Divine Forgiveness:

• By emphasizing that Allah has the power to forgive, the hadith instills hope and reinforces the concept of seeking forgiveness with sincerity.

 Encourages Reflection on One’s Actions:

• Knowing that Allah has the authority to render deeds fruitless, the hadith encourages believers to reflect on their actions and seek sincere repentance.

 Reinforces Islamic Principles of Forgiveness:

• The hadith aligns with Islamic teachings on forgiveness, promoting the idea that Allah’s mercy is vast and encompasses those who repent sincerely.

 Fosters a Sense of Accountability:

• It reinforces the idea that ultimate judgment lies with Allah, fostering a sense of accountability and reliance on divine justice.

 Provides Guidance for Interpersonal Relations:

• The hadith indirectly guides believers in their interactions, encouraging them to be cautious in passing judgments on others and promoting a more forgiving and compassionate attitude.

Conclusion