Stories of Repentance (the Book)

Insha Allah I will be posting some beautiful moral stories from the book Stories of Repentance compiled by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri.





What I want is LIFE that is not Ended by DEATH

It is reported that during one of his journeys, Dhul-Qarnain passed through a city that was once ruled by seven successive kings. Upon meeting some of the inhabitants of the city, Dhul-Qarnain asked, “Are any of the descendents of those kings alive today?”

They said, “ Yes, a single male descendent, yet he steers clear of human beings and keeps company with no one; in fact, he spends much of his time in the graveyard.”

Dhul-Qarnain said, “Tell me where I can find him.” He then went to meet with the eccentric-sounding of kings. When he finally met him, he noticed that he looked weak and had an emaciated body. Though Dhul-Qarnain didn’t know it, the man’s body was so thin not from a lack of resources, but from constant worship and a general lack of concern for material pleasure. Dhul-Qarnain extended greetings of peace to the man, who then returned those greetings. Dhul-Qarnain then asked, “Why do you spend so much time in the graveyard?”

The man lowered his head for a moment, and after a brief pause, he raised it and said, “I initially wanted to see if I could distinguish between the bones of kings and the bones of their slaves, but of course I wasn’t able to do so. Their end is the same.”

Dhul-Qarnain said, “If you wish to follow me, I will help you to rekindle the honor of your fathers –that is, if you have the ambition that is needed to achieve that end.”

The man said, “My ambition for that is little. But if you really want to help me.”

Dhul-Qarnain said, “What is it that you desire (and I will then try to help you to achieve your goal)?”

He said, “What I want is life that is not ended by death, youth that is never supplanted by old age, and richness that is never followed by poverty.”

“I cannot help you achieve that end,” said Dhul-Qarnain.

The man said, “Then go on to your business, and leave me to seek the fulfillment of my goal from He Who is able to help me. For indeed, this world is departing, and the Hereafter draws near. The journey is long, yet I have not much provision (i.e. good deeds) for it.”


Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri (Darussalam Publication)

Let’s ask ourselves, have we prepared ample provisions for our journey.

O Allah protect us from the Zina of this world verily the life is this world is nothing except deception Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

It was because of Their Repentance that they were Saved

When we invoke Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for help, we may refer to good deeds that we had previously performed sincerely fro Allah, thus increasing the likelihood of our repentance and supplication in the following narration, which is reported in Al-Bukhari.


Narrated Abdullah Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu):

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "While three persons were walking, they were overtaken by rain and they took shelter in a cave in a mountain. A big rock fell from the mountain over the mouth of the cave and blocked it. They said to each other. 'Think of such good (righteous) deeds which, you did for Allah's sake only, and invoke Allah by giving reference to those deeds so that Allah may relieve you from your difficulty.

One of them said, 'O Allah! I had my parents who were very old and I had small children for whose sake I used to work as a shepherd. When I returned to them at night and milked (the sheep), I used to start giving the milk to my parents first before giving to my children. And one day I went far away in search of a grazing place (for my sheep), and didn't return home till late at night and found that my parents had slept. I milked (my livestock) as usual and brought the milk vessel and stood at their heads, and I disliked to wake them up from their sleep, and I also disliked to give the milk to my children before my parents though my children were crying (from hunger) at my feet. So this state of mine and theirs continued till the day dawned. (O Allah!) If you considered that I had done that only for seeking Your pleasure, then please let there be an opening through which we can see the sky.' So Allah made for them an opening through which they could see the sky.

Then the second person said, 'O Allah! I had a she-cousin whom I loved as much as a passionate man love a woman. I tried to seduce her but she refused till I paid her one-hundred Dinars So I worked hard till I collected one hundred Dinars and went to her with that But when I sat in between her legs (to have sexual intercourse with her), she said, 'O Allah's slave! Be afraid of Allah ! Do not deflower me except legally (by marriage contract). So I left her O Allah! If you considered that I had done that only for seeking Your pleasure then please let the rock move a little to have a (wider) opening.'

So Allah shifted that rock to make the opening wider for them. And the last (third) person said 'O Allah ! I employed a laborer for wages equal to a Faraq (a certain measure: of rice, and when he had finished his job he demanded his wages, but when I presented his due to him, he gave it up and refused to take it. Then I kept on sowing that rice for him (several times) till managed to buy with the price of the yield, some cows and their shepherd Later on the laborer came to me an said. '(O Allah's slave!) Be afraid o Allah, and do not be unjust to me an give me my due.' I said (to him). 'Go and take those cows and their shepherd. So he took them and went away. (So, O Allah!) If You considered that I had done that for seeking Your pleasure, then please remove the remaining part of the rock.'

And so Allah released them (from their difficulty)."


Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri (Darussalam Publication)

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Everything That is going to Happen is Near at Hand

This is one of the famous sayings of Al-Hasan (Rahimahullah):

Before He created us, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala knew that we would sin and disobey Him; yet He Subhanahu wa Ta’ala still made us Muslims. O sinners, hurry to repent before the pangs of death overcome you, before the time of utter regret is upon you. Work, for death is coming, and everything that is coming is near at hand. Death hovers over you day and night; it will not come late, not even for one who has lost track of time,(i.e. although the one who loses track of time is late for all his appointments, he will not be late for his appointment with death.)”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri (Darussalam Publication)


O Allah include us amongst those who repent and do righteous deeds Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Mercy and Forgiveness for the One who Repents

When Al-Mansur bin Ammar (Rahimahullah) once entered the court of Abdul-Malik bin Marwan the latter said, “O Mansur, I have a question for you, and I will give you respite for an entire year to answer it: Who is the wisest of people, and who is the most ignorant of people?”

Al-Mansur left the castle and spent some time in contemplation in a nearby courtyard. Then the answer came to him and so he quickly hurried back to Abdul-Malik. “O Mansur, why have you returned?” asked Abdul-Malik.

The wisest of people, O Leader of the Believers, is the doer of good deeds who fears (not having his deed accepted),” said Al-Mansur. “And the most ignorant of people is he who does good deeds and feels safe (in that his deeds will be accepted.) Upon hearing these words, Abdul-Malik began to cry until his garments became soaked in tears. He then said, “You have done well, O Mansur. Now recite a part of the Qur'an to me, for the Qur'an is a cure for what is in the breasts of men.” Mansur then recited this verse:

“On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil. And Allah warns you against Himself and Allah is full of Kindness to (His) slaves.” (Surah Al-Imran 3:30)

“You have killed me, O Mansur,” said Abdul-Malik. “O Mansur, what does, ‘And Allah warns you against Himself,’ mean?”

“It means His Punishment,” said Mansur.

“And what is the meaning of ‘every person will be confronted with all the good he has done’? asked Abdul-Malik.

“It means that every person will be confronted on the Day of Resurrection by all of his deeds, the largest of them and the tiniest of them. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala will not leave out or forget any of that.” Abdul-Malik then continued to cry until being overcome with fear, fainted.

O Allah include us amongst those whose scale of good deeds is heavy on the Day of Resurrection Ameen!


Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

A Complete Transformation

Jafar bin Harb wasn’t simply wealthy; he was also an important government figure, not officially, but he still enjoyed as much wealth and status as the Governors of the various provinces. In fact, when it came to important tasks, the ruler trusted Jafar implicitly. Greatly preoccupied with worldly pursuits. Jafar did not lend much of his time to apply the teachings of Islam. But then one day, he heard a man recite this Verse:

“Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah-Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (this Qur'an) and that which has been revealed of the truth.” (Surah Al-Hadid 57: 16)

Jafar called out: “O Allah, yes…….O Allah, “yes…….O Allah, (The time has indeed come for my heart to be affected by Allah’s Reminder.)” He then cried many tears of sorrow for his former meaningless life.

He proceeded to distribute all of his wealth as atonement for his previous transgressions. When I say all of his wealth, I mean even his clothing. To cover his private areas, he walked into the shallow part of a river. Hearing about Jafar’s complete transformation, a man went to the river and gave him clothing as a gift. Now owning nothing save the clothes he received as a gift, Jafar dedicated the rest of his life to knowledge and worship.

The point of this and similar stories is not to encourage people to go to extremes in their lives; rather it is to show how people from the earlier centuries of Islam underwent compete character transformations once they became guided to repenting from their sins. The questions we have to ask ourselves are these:

Have we repented sincerely for our sins?

If yes, then how much have we changed for the better? And how much more can we do to change for the better?

And if no, then has not the time come for our hearts to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (the Qur'an) and by what has been revealed of the truth?

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

“O Allah! Guide us, protect us, bestow Your Mercy upon us and make us amongst those who repent Ameen!"

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu


It is indeed You who are the Rider, and I who am the Foot-Traveler.

One year, Ibrahim bin Adham decided to perform Hajj on foot, walking not just from one place to another in Makkah, but also to and from his homeland, which meant a long and arduous trek. As he was leaving his homeland, a man riding on a camel passed by and said, O ibn Adham, where are you going?”

“I am going to perform Hajj, if Allah wills,” said Ibrahim.

“Then where is your mount, ibn Adham, for the journey is long?” asked the man.

‘I have many mounts that I ride upon, though you cannot see them,” said Ibrahim.

“What?” asked the man, not comprehending Ibrahim’s meaning.

“If I am afflicted with a calamity, I ride on the mount (figuratively, of course) of patience (for just as a mount takes a person from one place to another, patience takes one to safety in the Hereafter). If I am given a blessing, I ride on the mount of thankfulness. If something that is decreed (and that is difficult to bear) happens to me, I ride on the mount of contentment. And when my soul invites me (to satisfy some lust or desire), I reflect on how the time I have left on earth is less than the time that has already gone by.”

“You are indeed traveling by the command of Allah,” said the man. “Then by Allah, it is you who are the rider, and I who am the foot-traveler.”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

O Allah grant us Patience and keep our feet firmly on Your Straight Path Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

A Heavy Burden

There was once a devoted worshipper among the Children of Israel who owned nothing except for a robe made of wool and a water canteen, which he would use when he would go around offering thirsty people a drink of water. When he was on his deathbed, he said to his Companions, “Indeed, all that I leave behind in terms of worldly things are my robe and my canteen. I cannot bear carrying them on the Day of Resurrection, so when I die, give them to the king, for he will be able to carry them along with all of this other worldly possession.”

When the worshipper died, his Companions went to the king and told him what the worshipper had said before dying.

“This worshipper says that he will not be able to carry a mere robe and canteen!” exclaimed the king. “Then, on the Day of Resurrection, how will I be able to carry all of the worldly things that I have in my possession?”

“He accepted the robe and wore it. Then, taking the canteen in his hand, he left his kingdom and began a new life that was devoted to the worship of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and to the service of His creation; he, like the previous owner of the canteen, went around serving thirsty people water.

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala protect us from our desires, whims and fancies. Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu


The Blessing of Repentance………. or the Blessing of Richness

A resident of Damascus, Ubaidah bin Muhajir was a well-respected, and extremely rich, businessman, who one day decided to make a business trip to Azerbaijan. After a long day of travel, Ubaidah came across a pasture and a river that ran alongside it. After he had made camp and was resting, he heard the sound of someone praising Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

Going to the source of the sound, Ubaidah came across a man who, attired in a garment made of straw, was resting in a ditch. After having extended greetings of peace to the man, Ubaidah inquire, “Who are you, O slave of Allah?”

“A Muslim,” answered the man.

“How difficult your circumstances seem to be,” said Ubaidah.

“I lead a life that is replete with blessings,” said the man.

“How can you say that when you are wearing not clothing, but a covering made of straw!” exclaimed Ubaidah.

“Any why shouldn’t I praise Allah for creating me, for giving me good form, for causing me to be born and raised as a Muslim, for blessing me with sound health, and for covering that part of my body which I dislike mentioning? Who goes to sleeping having greater blessings than these, all of which I enjoy?”

“May Allah have mercy on you,” said Ubaidah. “Will you not come back with me to my camp, for I have made camp beside the river?”

“Why?”

“So that I can feed you and give you real clothing, making it unnecessary for you to wear straw.”

“I have no need for any of that,” said the man.

Ubaidah later said, “I then left him and returned to my campsite. I later fell into contemplation, and the more I thought about my situation, the more I despised my life and even myself. Here I was, the richest man in Damascus, having no fear of anyone in Damascus having even nearly as much wealth as I had, yet I was going on a journey to make even more money. It was at that point that I said: ‘O Allah, I indeed repent to You for he evilness of my situation.” Ubaidah thereafter turned away from the pursuit of acquiring wealth, and instead dedicated his life to repentance and worship.

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

O Allah forgive us our shortcomings. Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

If you really want to Disobey Allah……..!

It is reported that a man once went to Ibrahim bin Adham and said, “O Abu Ishaq, I continually wrong my own self, and I turn away from everything that invites me to improve my way of life.”

Ibrahim said. “If you can fulfill five conditions, the sinning will never harm you, and you can fulfill your desires as much as you want.”

“Tell me those conditions,” exclaimed the man.

“As for the first, if you want to disobey Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala then do not eat from His sustenance,” said Ibrahim.

“What then will I eat, for everything on the earth is from His sustenance?” said the man.

“Listen,” said Ibrahim. “Are you being sensible when you eat from His sustenance while you are disobedient to Him?”

“No,” said the man. “What is the second condition?” he asked, somewhat nervously.

“If you want to disobey Allah, then do not live in any of His lands,” said Ibrahim.

“This is even worse than the first. All that is in the East and West belong to Him. So where then will I live?”

“Listen,” said Ibrahim. “If you insist on disobeying Him while you eat from His sustenance and live in His lands, then at least look for a spot where He cannot see you, and disobey Him there.”

“O Ibrahim!” exclaimed the man, “How can I do that, when He even knows the deepest secrets that are in the breasts of men? What is the fourth condition?” he asked, downright despondently.

“When the angel of death comes to take your soul, then say to him, ‘Give me some respite, so that I can repent sincerely and perform good deeds.’”

“When the time comes, the angel will not accept that plea from me,” said the man.

“Listen,” said Ibrahim. “If you cannot put off death in order to repent, then how do you expect to be saved?”

“Tell me the fifth condition,” said the man.

“When the guardians of Hell-Fire come to take you away on the Day of Resurrection, don’t go with them.”

“They won’t let me go!” exclaimed the man.

“Then how do you expect to be saved?” asked Ibrahim.

“Stop, stop! That is enough for me,” said the man. “I ask Allah to forgive me, and I indeed repent to Him.” From that day onwards, he dedicated his life to the worship of Allah (Azza wa Jall).

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri


O Allah we seek protection in Your Forgiveness from Your Punishment. Ameen!'

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The Good deeds remove evil deeds

Abdullah bin Mas’ud (Radhi Allahu Anhu) narrated that a man once kissed a woman who was unlawful to him, then went to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and informed him of what had happened. This Verse was then revealed:

“And perform As-Salat (Iqamatas-Salat), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night (the five compulsory Salat –Prayer) Verily the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (on advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice).”
(Surah Hud 11: 114)

The man asked. “O Messenger of Allah, is this for me?”

“It is for anyone from my nation who applies it.” Answered the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Repentance is Sweet

A tyrant ruler once left his castle to walk around the streets of his realm in order to enjoy himself. As he was walking, he came across a number of gardens and decided to enter one of them. After spending a short while looking at the garden’s beautiful trees, he became thirsty, and so he asked the owner of the garden, who was standing nearby, for a drink. The owner told him that though there was no water nearby, the ruler was free to take a pomegranate and quench his thirst by eating it. The ruler agreed and when he took his first bite from the pomegranate that was given to him, he was amazed to see how wonderfully and almost unnaturally, sweet it was.

He said to himself: “This pomegranate is indeed wonderful.” He decided to evict the owner and take possession on the garden. But first he wanted to make sure that all of the pomegranate of the garden were equally wonderful and sweet, and so he asked for another one. When he began to eat a second pomegranate, he was shocked to see that it was very bitter and foul tasting. He asked the owner if it was from the same tree as the first pomegranate.

“Yes,” said the owner.

“Then how come it is not as sweet as the first?” inquired the ruler.

“O leader, perhaps you intended to do some evil, which caused its taste to change,” said the righteous garden owner.

“By Allah, the man has spoken the truth,” thought the ruler. After repenting from his intention to usurp the garden, the ruler decided that he wanted to enjoy another pomegranate, and so he asked for one. When he tasted it, he was amazed to see that it was even sweeter than the first one he had eaten. What is more, it was from the very same tree.

For the one who repents, my beloved readers, life is always sweet and wonderful. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala said:

“And (commanding you): “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of Grace. (i.e. – the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words.) (Surah Hud 11:.3)

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

O Allah, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful, we repent for our sins which we committed knowingly and unknowingly, forgive us as none forgives sins except You Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Race toward Repentance

Wanting to advise his son Al-Hasan (Radhi Allahu Anhu), Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, “My son: Beware of three, be in harmony with three, be modest before three, race to three, flee from three, be in disagreement with three, fear three and hope from three.”

“O my father, please explain,” said Al-Hasan (Radhi Allahu Anhu).

“Beware of pride, anger and the base kind of ambition.

Live in harmony with Allah’s Book, His Messenger’s Sunnah and the lives of His righteous slaves.

Be modest before Allah, the angels and the righteous people.
Hurry away {to someplace (away from sinning)} from fear of sinning,
race to repentance and sprint forward in the pursuit of knowledge.

My Son, flee from lying, treachery, and transgression.

Stay away from (i.e. be in disagreement with) evil and its people, hypocrisy and its people, and foolishness and its people.

Fear Allah (the company of) those who do not fear Allah, and the biting (evil speech) of your tongue.

Hope for Allah to forgive your sins, to accept your deeds, and to accept the intercession of your Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The Lingering Pain of Sinning

To be sure, every single one of us is a sinner. But what distinguishes some from others is that some people feel no remorse for past sins, while others feel a great deal of remorse. The latter group repents and continually strives to improve, while the former group sits back self-complacently, going through the motions of life without appreciating the significance of their actions.

For the sincere person, sin is painful; its pain lingers in his heart for many years, very often until the day he dies. An example of such a person is the noble Companion Sa’id bin Amir (Radhi Allahu Anhu).

During the caliphate of Umar bin Al-Khattab (Radhi Allahu Anhu), Sa’id bin Amir (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was the governor of Hims, a city in Ash-Sham. When Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) visited Hims to see how things were going there, he was met by a large group of people who began to complain to him about Sa’id (Radhi Allahu Anhu). Basically they found fault with Sa’id (Radhi Allahu Anhu) in four matters. First, they said, he would not to come out to them until mid-morning. Second, he would refuse to answer any caller during the night. Third, once a month, he would stay away from the people. And fourth. Every once in a while, Sa’id (Radhi Allahu Anhu) will fain and lose consciousness for no apparent reason.

The Leader of the Believers asked Sa’id (Radhi Allahu Anhu) to respond to their complaints. In regard to the first complaint, he explained that he had no servant and that every morning, he had to crush his own wheat in order to make bread. As soon as he would finish making his bread, he said, he would then go out to serve the people. As for not answering any callers during the night, he said that he dedicated his days to serving the people and his nights to worshipping Allah Azza wa Jall. As not going out to the people once a month, he explained that he had only one garment and that he washed it once a month and had to then wait until it dried.

As for passing out every so often, Sa’id (Radhi Allahu Anhu) gave this explanation: “When I was a polytheist, I witnessed the brutal execution of Habib Al-Ansari in Makkah. I saw how the Quraish cut up his flesh (little by little). They said (to Habib), ‘Do you now want for Muhammad to take your place?’ He said, ‘By Allah, I would not want to be safe with myself, my family, and my children, if Muhammad were even to be pricked by a thorn.’ Every time I remember that day and how I refrained from helping Habib - for I was a polytheist and did not believe in Allah the All-Mighty – I begin to think that Allah Azza wa Jall (the Possessor of Might and Majesty) will never forgive me. It is then that I (faint), O Leader of the Believers.”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

O Allah make us amongst those who repent sincerely. Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The Advice of Al-Hasan

Al-Hasan once wrote the following short letter to Umar bin Abdul-Aziz:

“Fear what Allah told you to fear. Take what is in your hands, and use it for what is to come (i.e. the Hereafter). At the moment of death, sure news will come to you and peace.”

Umar wrote back, asking Al-Hasan to advise him some more. This is the letter that Al-Hasan wrote back:

“Indeed the terror (of the Day of Resurrection) is greater (that you might think). Indeed, frightful matters are near at hand. You will have to face all of that, either by facing it all and being saved, or by facing it all and being destroyed. Know that he who takes account of his own deeds will succeed, and that he who is negligent in this regard will fail. Whoever looks at the outcomes of his actions will be saved, while he who obeys his desires will be misguided. Whoever is patient and forbearing will gain profits. Whoever remains awake and vigilant (regarding his deeds) will be safe; whoever is safe, reflects, whoever reflects, sees, whoever sees, understands; and whoever understands, knows. Then if you slip return (and repent). And when you are remorseful, then refrain (from returning to your sin.) when you are ignorant, ask. And when you are angry, restrain your anger.”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The Noble Qur'an

One year, when Al-Asma’i was on his way to perform Hajj, a Bedouin who carried a large sword and a long spear confronted him. It was quite obvious that he was a highway robber. He came near Al-Asma’í, and instead of fleeing or attempting to escape, Al-Asma’i drew nearer to him. Without any show of nervousness or trepidation, Al-Asma’i extended greetings of peace to the robber. The latter responded and then asked, “Where are you from?”

“I am a poor man on a journey,” was Al-Asma’i reply, though it did not really answer the robber’s question.

“Do you have anything with you?” asked the robber politely. He probably thought: If he is going to address me with good manners, I might as well rob him with a show of proper etiquette.

“Yes, I have with me the Qur'an,” answered Al-Asma’i.

“And what is the Qur'an?” asked the robber, who obviously had never before heard of Islam.

“It is the speech of Allah Azza wa Jall (the Possessor of Mighty and Majesty) said Al-Asma’i.

“And does Allah have speech?”

“Yes” replied Al-Asma’i.

“Then let me hear some of His Speech,” said the robber.

Al-Asma’i then recited the following Verse:

“And in the heaven is your provision, and that which you are promised. (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51: 22)

When the robber heard these words, he began to cry, after which he threw down his sword and spear. He then said, “Perish the highway robber, who seeks sustenance on earth, when it is really in the heavens!” Realizing that his sustenance was guaranteed by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, the robber immediately perceived the utter folly of seeking out sustenance through unlawful means. And so he repented and made a vow never to return to that sin again.

Al-Asma’i was very much pleased to see the quick and complete transformation of the robber. On the following year, when Al-Asma’i went to perform Hajj again, he saw the former robber – whose face now had the signs of Faith written on it – clinging to the curtain of the Ka'bah. It was late in the night and he was saying. “O my Lord eyes are sleeping and every loved one is with his beloved. The gates of all kings are now closed, but Your gate is open to those who ask of You. Would that I knew whether You accepted this night (of worship) from me……………..”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri


Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Give Charity for doing so Might lead to Your Betterment

Abul-Harith Al-Awlasi once turned to a man and said, “Do you know how I first repented and mended my ways?”

“No,” answered the man.

“When I was a young man, I was both handsome and energetic. But I was heedless of true guidance. Then one day, I saw a sick man lying down on the side of the road. I drew near to him and asked, ‘Is there anything that you desire?’

‘Yes,’ he replied.

‘A pomegranate.’

I brought him what he asked for, and when I placed it in his hands, he looked up at me and said, ‘May Allah forgive you.’ No sooner did the sun set on that day than did my heart undergo a complete transformation. Instead of being preoccupied with frivolous forms of entertainment, I suddenly became preoccupied with the fear of death.”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The True Treasure

A burglar scaled the fence of Malik bin Dinar’s home and easily managed to get inside. Once inside the house, the burglar was disappointed to see that there was nothing inside actually worth stealing. The owner of the home was inside at the time; he was busy performing Prayer. Realizing that he was not alone, Malik quickly ended his Prayer and turned around to face the burglar. Without showing any sign of being shocked or afraid, Malik calmly extended greetings of peace and then said, “My brother, may Allah forgive you. You entered my home and found nothing that is worth taking, yet I do not want you to leave my home without taking away some benefit.”

He stood up, went to another part of the room, and came back with a jug full of water. He looked intently into the eyes of the burglar and said, “Make ablution and perform two units of Prayer, for it you do so, you will leave my home with a greater treasure than you had initially sought when you entered it.

Much humbled by Malik’s manners and words, the burglar said, “Yes, that is a generous offer indeed.” After making ablution and performing two units of Prayer, the burglar said, “O Malik, would you mind if I stayed a while, for I want to stay to perform two more units of Prayer?”

“Stay for whatever amount of Prayer Allah decrees for you to perform now.” The burglar ended up spending the entire night at Malik’s house; he continued to pray until the morning. The Malik said, “Leave now and be good.” But instead of leaving, the burglar said, “Would you mind if I stayed here with you today, for I have made an intention to fast the day.?”

“Stay as long as you wish,” said Malik. The burglar ended up staying for a number of days praying during the late hours of each night and fasting throughout the duration of each day. When he finally decided to leave, the burglar said, “ O Malik, I have made a firm resolve to repent for my sins and for my former way of life.”

Malik said, “Indeed that is in the Hand of Allah.” True to his word and promise the burglar repented and began to lead a life of righteousness and obedience to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. Later on, he met up with one of his former burglar friends, who said to him, “Have you found your treasure yet?’’ He said, “My brother, what I found is Malik bin Dinar. I went to steal from him, but it was he who ended up stealing (my heart). I have indeed repented to Allah, and I will continue to strive until I achieve what the righteous ones have achieved.”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri (Darussalam Publication)

O Allah, forgive us and pardon us our sins You are the Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The Mercy of Allah

To all confused and hopeless souls do I present this Hadith, which makes clear to us the vast Mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and encourages us to repent to HIM:

Abu Said Al-Khudri (Radhi Allahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Among those who came before you was a man who had killed 99 people. He then asked to be guided to the most prolific worshiper from the inhabitants of the earth, and he was directed to a monk. He went to him and told him that he had killed 99 people and asked him whether it was possible for him to repent. The monk said: “No!” The man killed him thus making him his 100th (victim).

He then asked to be directed to the most knowledgeable of earth’s inhabitants, and he was guided to a scholar. He went to him and told him that he had killed 100 people and he asked whether it was possible for him to repent. The scholar said, “Yes and who will stand between you and repentance. Go to such and such land, for in it dwell a people who worship Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala so go and worship Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala with them. And do not return to your land, for it is indeed a land of evil.”

He left and when he reached the halfway point of his journey, he died. The angels of Mercy and the angels of Punishment disputed with one another (in regard to his case).

The angels of Mercy said, “He came to us repentant, advancing with his heart towards Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.” But the angels of Punishment said, “Indeed, he never performed any good deeds.” Then an angel came in the form of a human being, and both groups of angels asked him to judge between them. He said, “Measure the distance between the two lands. Whichever land he is closer to is the land that he is closer to (in terms of being of its people.) They then measured the distance and found that he was closer to the land that he was heading towards, and so it was the angels of Mercy who then took his soul. (Al-Bukhari 3470 and Muslim 2766)

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri (Darussalam Publication)

O Allah The Ever-Living, Self-Sufficient, make us amongst those whose soul are taken by the angels of Mercy Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The Evil, Long-Term Effects of Sinning……….Yet there is Hope until the Very End

One day as Ali bin Abu Talib and Al-Husain bin Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) were walking together, they heard a man supplicating to Allah. The man was begging Allah to forgive him for his evil crimes. His sincere tone and eloquent words aroused the interest of Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu) who turned to his son and said, “do you not hear the man who is so very contrite because of his sins. Go catch up with him and call him (hither).” When Al-Husain (Radhi Allahu Anhu) caught up with the man, he saw that he was clean-looking, clean-smelling, with nice clothes and altogether handsome – except that he seemed to be paralyzed on the right side of his body. Al-Husain (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said; “Answer the summons of he Leader of the Believers, Ali bin Abu Talib (Radhi Allahu Anhu).”

Dragging his right side, the man followed Al-Husain (Radhi Allahu Anhu) back to where Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was waiting for them. “Who are you? And what is your story?” asked Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu).

My story is that of a man who did not fulfill the rights of others and is now being punished for that,” said the man.

“And what is your name?” asked Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu).

“Munazil bin Lahiq,” said the man.

“And what is your story?” asked Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu).

The man then told his story, which is, in abridged form as follows: “I was famous among the Arabs for my frivolous and sinful exploits. Merciful and kind, my father would constantly admonish me and advise me to mend my ways. He would remind me of Allah’s punishment, saying, ‘My son’ do not go against He Who punishes with the Hell-Fire! When he would persist in advising me, I felt his voice grating on my nerves. I would get so frustrated that I would beat him with harsh blows. In response to my blows, he one said, “By Allah, I will fast, without breaking my fast; and I will pray without stopping to sleep.” He fasted for entire week, but seeing no change in my behavior, he climbed a camel and set off to perform Hajj. His parting words were, “I am going to the House of Allah, and there I will seek help from Allah against you.”

When he reached Makkah, he embraced the curtain of the Ka'bah and supplicated against me, asking Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala to make me paralyzed on one side of my body. By the One Who raised the sky and sends down rain, no sooner did my father finish his supplication than I became paralyzed on my right side, which became like a piece of wood. Anyone that would pass by me would point to me and say, “Allah answered his father’s supplication against him.’”

“What did your father do then?” Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu) asked.

“O Leader of the Believers, after he became pleased with me, I asked him to go back (to the Ka'bah) and invoke Allah on my behalf. He agreed to do so, I walked alongside him as he rode on his camel, until we reached a place called, the Valley of Arak, When we reached there a group of birds flew away from a tree; their sudden movement frightened the camel. As the camel raced off in a state of fright, my father fell off it and died.”

It was certainly late for the man, but not too late, and so Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu) advised him to continue to supplicate and to repent for his past misdeeds. Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu) then parted from the man, but before leaving him, he taught him the supplication that a person who is in distress should say. The narration does not specifically mention which supplication it was that Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu) taught the man, nonetheless, here are some Prophetic supplications that those in distress can say.

“None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, the All-Mighty, the Most Forbearing, None has the right to be worshiped except Allah, Lord of the magnificent throne. None has the right be worshiped except Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth and Lord of the noble throne.”

“O Allah, it is Your Mercy that I hope for, so do not leave me in charge of my affairs even fro a blink of an eye and rectify for me all my affairs. None has the right to be worshiped except you.”

“None has the right to be worshiped except You, How perfect You are, verily I was among the wrong-doers.”

“O Allah, there is no ease except in that which You made easy, and You make the difficult, if You wish, easy.”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) attested to Her Sincerity

When on repents sincerely for one’s sin, one takes the best path to achieving the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. The following Hadith illustrates an example of a true and sincere repentance.

A woman from Juhainah once came to the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and confessed that she had committed adultery. She did not come simply to acknowledge her mistake, rather, she came, seeking to purify herself from her sin. She said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have committed an offense that requires a specific punishment, so execute it upon me.”

The punishment for adultery is stoning, but it is rarely applied, for it can only be applied when four witnesses see a person not just kissing or hugging someone else, but actually being engaged in the act of adultery. But this woman came herself and confessed her sin. After she was stoned to death, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed over her. Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, “O Messenger of Allah, you prayed over her despite the fact that she has committed adultery?”

He (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

“She has indeed performed a repentance that, were it to be distributed among 70 people of the inhabitants of Al-Al-Madinah, would have been sufficient for them all. And have you ever found anyone that is better than a person who generously gives her soul for Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.” (Muslim 1696 and At-Tirmidhi 1435)

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri (Darussalam Publication)

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The Grave of a Righteous Man

Ibrahim bin Bashshar narrated this story:

While I was walking towards Kufah with Ibrahim bin Adham, he stopped beside a grave and invoked Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala to have mercy on its dweller. “Whose grave is this?” I asked.

“It is the grave of Humaid bin Jabir,” said Ibrahim. “He was once the leader of all of the townships that are in this area.”

“What was so special about him (that made you stop here in order to supplicate for him)?” I asked. Ibrahim told me that he was a very rich leader, who would spend his nights enjoying frivolous games and entertainment.

“One night he fell asleep and saw a dream in which a man was standing over his head,” said Ibrahim. “The man had a book in his hand, which Humaid grabbed and tore open.
The words inside were written with gold (ink); they ran as follows:

Do not prefer My Fire over My Light, and do not be deceived by what you own in this world, for what you own is preventing you from what I saved for you in your afterlife. True, what you have might have been called a kingdom, had it not been for the fact that all of it will soon perish. And your life might have been called a life of happiness and joy, had it not been for he fact that it will be followed by anxiety and misery. So beware of falling under the spell of these worldly ornaments, or you will join the ranks of the destroyed ones.

“And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Al-Muttaqun (the righteous.) (Surah Al-Imran 3: 133)

“Humaid then woke up in a terrified state,” continued Ibrahim. “Resigning from his post as leader, Humaid betook himself to the mountain, where he led a simple life, doing menial work to maintain his physical upkeep, but dedicating most of his time to the worship of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. I came here once and met him; by keeping company with him, I found him to be a noble man. I would thereafter continue to visit him until he died.”

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri (Darussalam Publication)

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

There is an interesting story related about Dinaar al-‘Ayaar. Dinaar had a righteous mother who would constantly advise him to repent for his wayward, sinful existence, but as much as she tried, her words had no positive effect on him whatsoever. Then, one day, as he was walking by a graveyard, he stopped to pick up a bone. He was shocked to see how it crumbled and turned to dust in his hand. The sight of that bone had a profound effect on Dinaar. He began to think about his life and his past sins, and he then exclaimed, “Woe unto you, O Dinaar, you are going to end up like this crushed bone, and your body will turn into dust.” All of his past sins then flashed before his eyes, and he made a firm resolve to repent. Turning his gaze towards the sky, he said, “My Lord, I now turn to you in complete submission, so accept me and have Mercy on me.”

With a completely changed heart and state of mind, Dinaar went to his mother and said, “Mother, what does a master do when he captures his slave who had run away from him?” She said, “[To punish him] the master provides him with coarse clothing and low-quality food; and he ties his hands and feet so that he does not make another attempt to escape.” Dinaar said, “Then I want a garment made of coarse wool, low-quality barley, and two chains. Mother, do with me that which is done with a runaway slave. Perhaps my Lord will, upon seeing my humiliation and humility, have mercy on me.” Seeing that her son was adamant and resolute in his request, she complied.

At the beginning of every ensuing night, Dinaar would begin to cry and wail uncontrollably. And he would continue to repeat to himself the words, “Woe unto you, O Dinaar, do you have the power to withstand the Hell fire? How brazen you have been to have led a life that has made you deserving of the anger of the All-Mighty!” He would continue upon that state until the morning.

Turning wan and pale, Dinaar’s body slowly wasted away. Not being able to bear seeing him in that pitiable state, his mother said, “My son, be easy on yourself.” He answered, “My mother, let me remain tied for a short while, so that perhaps I can achieve long-term comfort later on. For tomorrow, I will be waiting a long time before my Majestic Lord, and I do not know whether He will order me to go to places of beautiful shade or to places of unspeakable horror.”

She said, “My son, at least rest for a while.” He said, “It is not present rest or comfort that I am seeking out. Mother, it is as if I see you and other people being led tomorrow towards Paradise, while I am being led towards the Hell-fire along with his inhabitants.” She left him then, and he returned to crying, worshipping, and reciting the Quran. One night, as he was reciting the Quran, he came across these verses:


As he contemplated the meanings and implications of these verses, he cried with such intensity that he fainted. His mother rushed to him and tried very hard to revive him, but he wouldn’t respond. She thought he had died. Looking into the face of her son, she said, “O my beloved one, O the joy of my heart, where shall we meet again?” In fact, Dinaar still had some life left in him, and hearing his mother’s words, he answered with a faint voice, “My mother, if you do not find me on the wide plains of the Day of Resurrection, then ask Maalik, the Custodian of Hell-fire about me.” He then made a croaking sound and died.

After she finished washing his body, Dinaar’s mother prepared him for his funeral. She then went out and made the announcement, “O people, come to the funeral prayer of one who has been killed by [fear of] the Hell-fire.” People began to come from all directions. It is said that during that era, no greater gathering came together and no amount of tears were shed as much as on that day.

On the same night that his funeral was held, one of Dinaar’s friend saw him in a dream, attired in a green robe. Dinaar was prancing around in Paradise, all the while reciting the verse:



During the dream, his friend heard him say, “By His Might and Majesty, He asked me [about my deeds]. Having mercy on me, He forgave me and pardoned me [my sins.] Lo! Convey news of this to my mother.”


Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri (Darussalam Publication)

It is reported that there was once a king who, at a certain moment during his rule, came to the realization that no matter how rich he was, his pleasures were of the fleeting kind and his end was going to be death. These thoughts lingered in his mind, until one day he secretly left his castle and made his way towards the seaside. There, he spent his days earning his keep by working with bricks, and his nights worshipping Allah. Although he had traveled far away from his homeland, he could not remain unrecognized for long, and soon news of his story reached the king of the land that he was in. That king summoned him, but he refused to go; and when he was summoned for a second time, he made it clear that he didn’t want to meet the king.

The king of the land was too curious about the former king’s story to let the matter rest there. And so he went to him in person, but when the former king saw him approaching, he began to run away. The king of the land chased him as he called out, “O slave of Allah, fear not,” but the former king continued to flee from him. This continued until the king of the land was able to convince him that he just wanted to talk to him for a few moments. When the two were face to face, the king of the land asked the former king, “What made you come to this land?”

He said, “I found that my heart desired separation from the children of Adam.”

The king of the land asked, “How can you bear living a life of loneliness?”

He said, “Whoever finds comfort with Allah finds unwholesome the company of anyone else.”

The king of the land asked, “And why did you leave your realm?”

He answered, “I thought about my outcome, my final destination on this earth, and I realized that my end here was near at hand. And so I decided to turn away from that which is temporary and to instead turn towards that which will abide forever. Turning to my Lord, I then fled from my sins.”

The king of the land said “You do not have more reason to fear Allah than I do.”

The king of that land then abdicated his throne, after which he followed his new companion on the path of simplicity, repentance, and worship.

The following story is narrated by Abdul-Wahid bin Zaid:


"We were on a sea vessel once, when the wind suddenly became tempestuous, and we were forced to leave the high seas and seek refuge on an island. We were surprised to see that we were not alone on the island; there standing before us was a man who was busy worshipping an idol. We introduced ourselves and then said, 'We do not have anyone on our ship that does as you are doing.'

The man asked, 'Then who is it that you worship?'

We said, 'We worship Allah.'

He asked, 'And who is Allah?'

We said, 'He Whose Throne is in the Heavens and Whose dominion is in the heavens, the earth, and all that exists.'

'And how did you come to know that?' asked the man.

'He sent a Messenger to us with clear proofs and miracles, and it was that Messenger who informed us about Him.'

'And what has happened to your Messenger?'

'When he finished conveying the message, Allah caused him to die,' we answered.

'Has he left you no sign?' the man asked.

'He has left among us Allah's Book,' we said.

'Show it to me,' requested the man.

When we showed him a copy of the Quran, he said, 'I cannot read it,' and so we read a part of it for him.

He then cried and said, 'The One Whose speech this is must not be disobeyed.' Not only did the man then accept Islam, he also assiduously learned its teachings and then put what he learned into practice.

When the weather calmed down and we were ready to leave the island, he asked us if he could be a passenger on our ship. We of course agreed to have him join us, and it was a good thing that he came with us, for it gave us the opportunity to teach him a number of chapters of the Quran. At the end of the first evening of travel, all of us crewmen got ready to go to sleep. Our new passenger said, 'O people, the Lord that you guided me to, does He sleep?'

We said, 'He is the Ever Living, the One who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtake Him.'

He looked at us and said, 'It is indeed bad manners for a slave to sleep in the presence of his master.' With a great deal of energy and vigor, he then jumped up and began to pray; and his crying voice could be heard until the morning.

When we reached a place caled 'Abadan [a place situated in present-day Iran], I said to my companions, 'This man is a stranger here, moreover, he is a new Muslim. We would do well to gather some money for him in order to help him out.' We gathered what we could, but when we tried to give him the money, he exclaimed, 'What is this!'

We said, 'Money that you can spend on yourself.'

He said, 'How perfect Allah is! You have guided me to a way that you do not know yourselves. When I was living on a barren desert in the middle of the ocean, I worshipped other than Him, yet He did not allow me to go without; then how is it possible that He will make me be needy, when it is Him alone that I now worship? Indeed He is the Creator and the Provider.' He then left us and went on his way.

A number of days passed before we heard any news of his whereabouts. We were told he was in such and such place and that he was extremely sick. When we reached him, we saw that he was on the verge of dying. After extending greetings of peace to him, I said, 'Do you need anything?'

He said, 'The One Who brought you to the island when I did not know Him has provided me with all that I need,' he said.

A man once went to Raabi'ah bint Isma'il al-'Adawiyyah, who was known by the titles, 'Mother of Goodness,' and, 'The Famous Worshipper.' He said, 'Indeed, I have perpetrated a great number of sins. If I repent, do you think that Allah will accept my repentance?"

She said, "Woe unto you! Do you not see that He invites those who turn away from Him; then why wouldn't He accept the repentance of those who turn towards Him?"

What she said is indeed true, for Allah is happy when we submit to HIM and hasten back to HIM, repentant for our sins. To worship HIM is the purpose for which we were created. Glad tidings, then, to he who knows his purpose and puts what he knows into practice.