He reported God’s messenger as saying, “If anyone meets God, not having treated anything as equal to Him in the world, and has committed sins equal in quantity to the mountains, God will forgive him.” Baihaqi transmitted it in Kitab al-ba'th wan-nushur.
The Excellence of Tawhid
This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Mishkat al-Masabih 2362 demonstrates the immense power of pure monotheism (tawhid). The scholars explain that maintaining sincere belief in God's oneness, without associating partners with Him, serves as the ultimate protection and means of salvation.
The Magnitude of Divine Mercy
The comparison to "mountains" of sins illustrates that no matter how great one's transgressions may appear, God's mercy is infinitely greater. Classical commentators emphasize that this does not encourage sinfulness, but rather inspires hope in God's boundless compassion for those who maintain correct belief.
Imam al-Ghazali notes that such traditions are meant to balance fear with hope, ensuring believers neither despair of God's mercy nor become complacent about disobedience.
Conditions and Understanding
Scholars clarify that this forgiveness applies specifically to minor sins (sagha'ir) when one avoids major sins (kaba'ir). The condition "not having treated anything as equal to Him" requires complete avoidance of shirk in all its forms - both apparent and subtle.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that true tawhid purifies the heart from all forms of hidden polytheism, such as showing off in worship or seeking praise from creation rather than the Creator.
Practical Implications
This teaching encourages constant renewal of faith and repentance. The scholars stress that while God's mercy is vast, believers must continually guard their tawhid through sincere worship, avoiding innovations in religion, and maintaining proper intention in all actions.