The Book of Supplications - Mishkat al-Masabih 2331

A commentary on the hadith concerning repentance and divine forgiveness from Mishkat al-Masabih.

Textual Analysis

The noble hadith transmitted by Imam Muslim through Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic theology: the infinite mercy of Allah and the perpetual opportunity for repentance until the arrival of definitive signs of the Day of Judgment.

The rising of the sun from the west constitutes one of the major signs of the Hour, after which repentance will no longer be accepted. This serves as both a warning and an encouragement - warning against delaying repentance and encouraging immediate return to Allah while the door of mercy remains open.

Scholarly Interpretation

Classical scholars explain that this hadith emphasizes the comprehensive nature of divine forgiveness. Regardless of the magnitude or duration of sins, sincere repentance (tawbah) before the specified time will be accepted by Allah, the Most Merciful.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that this demonstrates Allah's generosity in keeping the door of repentance open throughout one's lifetime, reflecting His attribute of al-Ghafur (The All-Forgiving) and al-Rahim (The Most Merciful).

Practical Implications

This teaching instills hope in believers while simultaneously creating urgency for spiritual reform. The scholars stress that true repentance requires: cessation of the sin, genuine regret, firm resolution to abstain, and restoration of rights if the sin involved wrongdoing against others.

Al-Nawawi comments that this hadith serves as a powerful reminder against despairing of Allah's mercy, while also warning against complacency in sin under the assumption that one can always repent later.