The Book of Repentance - Sahih Muslim 2744 c

Allah is more pleased with the repentance of a believing man. The rest of the hadith is the same.

Scholarly Commentary

This narration emphasizes the profound divine pleasure in the believer's repentance. The phrase "more pleased" indicates Allah's infinite mercy surpasses any worldly joy, as established in the complete hadith comparing it to a traveler's relief upon finding his lost camel.

The specification "believing man" encompasses all believers, demonstrating that sincere repentance remains accessible regardless of previous sins. This aligns with Quranic verses: "Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent" (2:222) and "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of Allah's mercy" (39:53).

Theological implications affirm that divine acceptance precedes human repentance, as the believer's ability to turn to Allah itself manifests divine grace. This fosters hope while encouraging immediate return to righteousness without delaying repentance.