Thauban said that he heard God’s messenger say, "I would not give this verse for the whole world, 'My servants who have transgressed against their souls, do not despair . . .’ ”1 A man asked whether that included those who had associated partners with God, and after remaining silent for a time the Prophet said three times, “Yes, it includes even those who have associated partners with God.”1 . Qur'an, xxxix, 53
Commentary on the Hadith of Hope
This narration from Mishkat al-Masabih (2360) reveals the profound mercy of Allah toward His servants. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the value of Qur'an 39:53, which offers hope to sinners.
The initial hesitation of the Prophet before affirming that even polytheists are included demonstrates the gravity of shirk (associating partners with Allah). Yet his ultimate confirmation shows that Allah's mercy encompasses all who repent sincerely.
Scholars explain that this verse applies to those who repent before death. The repetition "three times" emphasizes certainty and removes any doubt about the comprehensiveness of divine forgiveness.
This teaching balances between warning against sin and despair, and encouraging hope in Allah's boundless mercy for the repentant believer.
Key Theological Points
Allah's mercy precedes His wrath - this is a fundamental Islamic belief affirmed by this hadith.
No sin is too great for Allah's forgiveness when accompanied by sincere repentance (tawbah).
Despair of Allah's mercy is itself a major sin, as it contradicts divine attributes of compassion.
The Prophet's valuation of this verse "for the whole world" shows the incomparable worth of divine guidance over worldly possessions.