Asma’ daughter of Yazid said she heard God’s messenger reciting, “My servants who have transgressed against their souls, do not despair of God’s mercy, for God pardons all sins,”* [adding] “and He does not care.” *Qur’an, xxxix, 53.Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted it, the latter saying this is a hasan gharib tradition. Sharh as-sunna has “saying” instead of “reciting.”
Exposition of the Hadith
This blessed tradition from Asma' bint Yazid (may Allah be pleased with her) contains profound spiritual wisdom. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) recited the divine promise from Surah az-Zumar: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" The addition "and He does not care" signifies that no sin is too great for Allah's infinite mercy to encompass.
Theological Implications
This hadith establishes the principle that despairing of Allah's mercy constitutes a greater sin than any other transgression, for it denies His attribute of mercy. The phrase "He does not care" indicates that the magnitude of sins does not diminish Allah's capacity to forgive, just as the vastness of the ocean is not diminished by one drinking from it.
Scholars explain that this divine promise applies to those who repent sincerely, as indicated by the context of the Qur'anic verse. True repentance requires abandoning the sin, regretting its commission, and resolving not to return to it.
Spiritual Benefits
This tradition serves as a beacon of hope for believers who have fallen into sin, reminding them that the door of repentance remains open until the soul reaches the throat at death. It encourages continuous turning to Allah without despair, while maintaining proper fear and hope in divine judgment.
The transmission through Ahmad and Tirmidhi, with Tirmidhi's grading of hasan gharib, indicates the soundness of this narration, while the variant in Sharh as-Sunna using "saying" instead of "reciting" shows the flexibility in reporting the Prophet's teachings.