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Sahih al-Bukhari · 9 narrations

Hadith about forgiveness and repentance

These narrations from Sahih al-Bukhari speak of how pleased Allah is when a servant turns back to Him in repentance (tawbah), of the Prophet ﷺ seeking forgiveness more than seventy times a day, and of acts of worship through which past sins are forgiven. They also tell of a man whom Allah forgave because he was lenient with debtors who could not pay.

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Sahih al-Bukhari 6309

Book of Invocations

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ، أَخْبَرَنَا حَبَّانُ، حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، حَدَّثَنَا قَتَادَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا أَنَسُ بْنُ مَالِكٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏ وَحَدَّثَنَا هُدْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، حَدَّثَنَا قَتَادَةُ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ اللَّهُ أَفْرَحُ بِتَوْبَةِ عَبْدِهِ مِنْ أَحَدِكُمْ سَقَطَ عَلَى بَعِيرِهِ، وَقَدْ أَضَلَّهُ فِي أَرْضِ فَلاَةٍ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His slave than anyone of you is pleased with finding his camel which he had lost in the desert. "

What it teaches

This hadith teaches about the profound mercy and immense pleasure Allah ﷻ takes in His servant's sincere repentance, encouraging believers to always turn back to Him after sinning with hope and certainty of His acceptance.

In plain words

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conveyed that Allah's ﷻ joy at His servant's repentance is far greater than the joy a person experiences when they find their lost camel in a vast, empty desert. This illustrates the immense mercy and acceptance Allah ﷻ has for those who sincerely turn back to Him.

Where it applies

  • Feeling regret after committing a sin
  • Seeking forgiveness from Allah ﷻ
  • Overcoming despair after making a mistake
  • Encouraging oneself or others to repent
  • Understanding Allah's ﷻ vast mercy and acceptance

Sahih al-Bukhari 6307

Book of Invocations

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبُو سَلَمَةَ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، قَالَ قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ وَاللَّهِ إِنِّي لأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ فِي الْيَوْمِ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ سَبْعِينَ مَرَّةً ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying." By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches Muslims the immense importance of frequent repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah ﷻ, by following the exemplary practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who, despite his elevated status, engaged in this act extensively.

In plain words

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared, swearing by Allah ﷻ, that he would seek Allah's ﷻ forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance over seventy times each day. This highlights his profound humility and constant devotion to Allah ﷻ.

Where it applies

  • Daily spiritual practice for purification and closeness to Allah ﷻ
  • When one feels the need to seek forgiveness for sins or shortcomings
  • Emulating the devotion and humility of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
  • Maintaining a state of remembrance and accountability before Allah ﷻ

Sahih al-Bukhari 781

Book of Call to Prayers (Adhaan)

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا قَالَ أَحَدُكُمْ آمِينَ‏.‏ وَقَالَتِ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ فِي السَّمَاءِ آمِينَ‏.‏ فَوَافَقَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا الأُخْرَى، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If any one of you says, "Amin" and the angels in the heavens say "Amin" and the former coincides with the latter, all his past sins will be forgiven."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the profound spiritual significance and immense reward associated with saying "Amin" during prayer, particularly when it aligns with the angels' supplication, leading to the forgiveness of one's past sins.

In plain words

This hadith explains that when a Muslim says "Amin" during prayer, and their utterance coincides with the angels in the heavens also saying "Amin", then all of that person's past sins will be forgiven. It emphasizes a specific, blessed moment within prayer that brings immense divine mercy.

Where it applies

  • Performing daily prayers
  • Seeking divine forgiveness
  • Understanding the virtues of specific acts of worship
  • Participating in congregational prayer

Sahih al-Bukhari 38

Book of Belief

حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ سَلاَمٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ فُضَيْلٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."

What it teaches

The hadith teaches that observing the fasts of Ramadan with genuine faith (iman) and seeking Allah's ﷻ pleasure (ihtisab) is a means for a believer to attain forgiveness for their previous sins from Allah ﷻ. It emphasizes the importance of intention and sincerity in acts of worship to receive divine reward.

In plain words

This hadith from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teaches that if a Muslim fasts during the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for Allah's ﷻ reward, then all their past sins will be forgiven. It highlights the profound spiritual benefit and divine mercy associated with observing Ramadan with the correct intention.

Where it applies

  • Seeking spiritual purification
  • Understanding the benefits of Ramadan
  • Motivating oneself for fasting
  • Repentance and seeking forgiveness

Sahih al-Bukhari 6439

Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، عَنْ صَالِحٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَنَسُ بْنُ مَالِكٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَوْ أَنَّ لاِبْنِ آدَمَ وَادِيًا مِنْ ذَهَبٍ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُ وَادِيَانِ، وَلَنْ يَمْلأَ فَاهُ إِلاَّ التُّرَابُ، وَيَتُوبُ اللَّهُ عَلَى مَنْ تَابَ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If Adam's son had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to Him."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches about the inherent human inclination towards insatiable greed and accumulation of worldly wealth, highlighting that this worldly desire is ultimately endless until death. It also teaches that despite this human weakness, Allah ﷻ is ever-forgiving to those who turn to Him in sincere repentance.

In plain words

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that people naturally desire more and more worldly possessions, even if they already have a lot, like a valley full of gold. This intense desire only truly ends with death. However, Allah ﷻ is merciful and forgives anyone who sincerely repents to Him.

Where it applies

  • Feeling discontent with one's possessions
  • Struggling with excessive worldly ambition
  • Seeking forgiveness for sins related to materialism
  • Reflecting on the transient nature of life and wealth

Sahih al-Bukhari 3880

Book of Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar)

حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يَعْقُوبُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، عَنْ صَالِحٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو سَلَمَةَ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، وَابْنُ الْمُسَيَّبِ، أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَخْبَرَهُمَا أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَعَى لَهُمُ النَّجَاشِيَّ صَاحِبَ الْحَبَشَةِ فِي الْيَوْمِ الَّذِي مَاتَ فِيهِ، وَقَالَ ‏ "‏ اسْتَغْفِرُوا لأَخِيكُمْ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) informed them (i.e. his companions) of the death of Negus, the king of Ethiopia, on the very day on which the latter died, and said, "Ask Allah's Forgiveness for your brother"

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the importance and permissibility of praying for the deceased, specifically asking Allah ﷻ for their forgiveness, even if they are in a distant land. It also highlights the bond of brotherhood among believers, as indicated by the Prophet's Muhammad (PBUH) reference to Negus as 'your brother'.

In plain words

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) informed his companions about the death of Negus, the King of Ethiopia, on the very day he passed away. He then instructed them to pray for Negus, referring to him as 'your brother,' by asking Allah ﷻ for his forgiveness.

Where it applies

  • When hearing about the death of a Muslim, especially one far away
  • The importance of making supplication for deceased Muslims
  • Understanding the spiritual bond of brotherhood in Islam
  • Guidance on how to respond to news of death with prayer

Sahih al-Bukhari 4293

Book of Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (pbuh) (Al-Maghaazi)

حَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا غُنْدَرٌ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الضُّحَى، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ فِي رُكُوعِهِ وَسُجُودِهِ ‏ "‏ سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ، رَبَّنَا وَبِحَمْدِكَ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated 'Aishah (ra):

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say in his bowings and prostrations, "Subhanaka Allahumma Rabbanã wa bihamdika, Allãhumma ighfirli" (Glorified be You, O Allah, our Lord! All the praises are for You. O Allah, forgive me)!"

What it teaches

This hadith teaches Muslims a specific supplication to recite during the bowing (ruku') and prostration (sujood) in their prayers, combining the glorification and praise of Allah ﷻ with seeking His forgiveness. It provides a direct example from the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for enhancing one's devotion and seeking divine mercy during Salah.

In plain words

This hadith, narrated by Aisha (RA), describes a specific supplication (dua) that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to recite during the bowing (ruku') and prostration (sujood) parts of his prayer. The supplication involves glorifying Allah ﷻ, praising Him, and asking for His forgiveness.

Where it applies

  • Performing daily prayers
  • Seeking forgiveness from Allah ﷻ
  • Learning Prophet (PBUH)'s prayer methods
  • Enhancing devotion in prayer

Sahih al-Bukhari 3480

Book of Prophets

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُتْبَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ كَانَ الرَّجُلُ يُدَايِنُ النَّاسَ، فَكَانَ يَقُولُ لِفَتَاهُ إِذَا أَتَيْتَ مُعْسِرًا فَتَجَاوَزْ عَنْهُ، لَعَلَّ اللَّهُ أَنْ يَتَجَاوَزَ عَنَّا‏.‏ قَالَ فَلَقِيَ اللَّهَ فَتَجَاوَزَ عَنْهُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "A man used to give loans to the people and used to say to his servant, 'If the debtor is poor, forgive him, so that Allah may forgive us.' So when he met Allah (after his death), Allah forgave him."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that showing immense mercy and leniency towards financially struggling debtors, specifically by forgiving their debts, is an action highly rewarded by Allah ﷻ. It demonstrates that Allah's ﷻ forgiveness can be earned through our compassion and generosity towards others, as exemplified by the man in the narration.

In plain words

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated that there was a man who would lend money to people. He instructed his servant to forgive the debts of those who were struggling financially, hoping that Allah ﷻ would, in turn, forgive him. When this man passed away and met Allah ﷻ, Allah ﷻ indeed forgave him.

Where it applies

  • When encountering someone unable to repay a debt
  • Deciding whether to forgive a loan
  • Seeking Allah's ﷻ mercy and forgiveness
  • Practicing generosity in financial transactions
  • Guiding employees on how to treat debtors

Sahih al-Bukhari 2757

Book of Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa)

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ بُكَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ عُقَيْلٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ كَعْبٍ، أَنَّ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ كَعْبٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ كَعْبَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ ـ رضى الله عنه‏.‏ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، إِنَّ مِنْ تَوْبَتِي أَنْ أَنْخَلِعَ مِنْ مَالِي صَدَقَةً إِلَى اللَّهِ وَإِلَى رَسُولِهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏ قَالَ ‏ "‏ أَمْسِكْ عَلَيْكَ بَعْضَ مَالِكَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْتُ فَإِنِّي أُمْسِكُ سَهْمِي الَّذِي بِخَيْبَرَ‏.‏

Narrated Ka`b bin Malik:

I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! For the acceptance of my repentance I wish to give all my property in charity for Allah's sake through His Apostle ." He said, "It is better for you to keep some of the property for yourself." I said, "Then I will keep my share in Khaibar."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that while sincere repentance and generosity in charity are highly commendable, it is a sound principle to maintain a portion of one's wealth for personal and family needs. The Prophet (PBUH) guided Ka`b (RA) towards a balanced approach, emphasizing that retaining some property is ultimately more beneficial.

In plain words

Ka`b bin Malik (RA) expressed his desire to give away all his property in charity as part of his repentance. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised him to keep some of his wealth, explaining that it would be better for him. Ka`b (RA) then specified that he would retain his share from Khaibar.

Where it applies

  • When considering giving a significant portion of wealth in charity
  • Seeking guidance on personal financial decisions related to religious acts
  • Making amends for past mistakes through acts of generosity
  • Balancing spiritual devotion with practical life needs

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