The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah forgives my followers those (evil deeds) their souls may whisper or suggest to them as long as they do not act (on it) or speak."
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah forgives my followers those (evil deeds) their souls may whisper or suggest to them as long as they do not act (on it) or speak."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6664 | Book: Oaths and Vows | Author: Sahih al-Bukhari
Commentary on the Meaning
This noble hadith contains immense mercy from Allah towards the believers. The "whispers" (al-khawātir) refer to passing thoughts and evil suggestions that arise in the heart from the soul's base desires or from Satan's insinuations.
Allah's forgiveness encompasses these involuntary thoughts as long as they remain mere internal occurrences that are neither acted upon with limbs nor expressed through speech. This demonstrates the vastness of divine mercy and the principle that one is only accountable for what one deliberately chooses.
Scholarly Explanation
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith indicates the distinction between involuntary thoughts and deliberate actions. The human soul naturally experiences various thoughts, and Islam does not burden believers with what they cannot control.
Scholars clarify that acting upon whispers includes both physical actions and verbal expressions. Merely entertaining a bad thought without resolve or action does not incur sin. This principle provides comfort to believers who may experience unwanted thoughts, reminding them of Allah's comprehensive forgiveness.
Practical Implications
This teaching encourages believers to focus on controlling their actions and speech rather than feeling guilty over passing thoughts. It teaches that spiritual perfection lies not in eliminating all negative thoughts, but in resisting them through will and action.
The hadith also emphasizes the importance of guarding one's tongue and limbs from sinful acts. While thoughts may come involuntarily, the believer is rewarded for resisting them and choosing righteousness in their outward conduct.