Exposition of the Hadith on Repentance

This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) transmitted by the Mother of the Believers, 'A'isha (may God be pleased with her), addresses the fundamental Islamic doctrine of repentance (tawbah). The hadith is recorded in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, indicating its highest level of authenticity.

Conditions of Valid Repentance

The phrase "acknowledges his sin" (i'tarafa bi-dhanbihi) implies three essential conditions: recognition of the transgression, feeling remorse for having committed it, and immediate cessation from the sinful act.

True repentance requires both internal conviction and external abandonment. The heart must genuinely regret the disobedience while the limbs must discontinue the prohibited action.

Divine Mercy and Forgiveness

God's promise of forgiveness demonstrates His boundless mercy. The Arabic term used for forgiveness (ghafara) indicates God's covering of the sin and protection from its consequences.

This divine assurance applies regardless of the sin's magnitude, provided the repentance meets the necessary conditions. God's mercy encompasses all things, and no sin is too great for His forgiveness when accompanied by sincere repentance.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith establishes the ease with which God accepts repentance, emphasizing His generous nature and willingness to forgive His servants.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the term "servant" ('abd) includes all believers, regardless of status, highlighting the universal applicability of God's mercy.

Al-Qurtubi explains that this tradition offers hope to sinners and encourages them to return to God without despair, for His mercy precedes His wrath.