The Book of Repentance - Sahih Muslim 2747 b, c

Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant than if one of you gets up and he finds his camel missing in a waterless desert (and then he accidentally finds it). This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Anas b. Malik through another chain of transmitters.

Commentary on the Parable

The Prophet ﷺ employs a profound analogy comprehensible to the desert-dwelling Arabs. A lost camel in barren wilderness represents utter loss - without transport, water, or survival means. The owner's despair turns to unimaginable joy upon finding it.

Allah's delight in a repentant servant exceeds this worldly joy. This demonstrates divine mercy's magnitude - the Creator's happiness at a slave's return surpasses the greatest earthly relief.

Theological Implications

This narration refutes notions of divine indifference. Allah actively desires and celebrates human repentance. His pleasure isn't abstract but exceeds tangible human joy.

The dual narration chains authenticate the message while emphasizing its crucial nature. Repentance isn't merely accepted but eagerly awaited by the Most Merciful.

Practical Application

Believers should never despair of Allah's mercy. However grave the sin, divine readiness to forgive surpasses human comprehension. This encourages immediate repentance without delay.

The analogy inspires hope: as the desert traveler never abandons searching for his lost camel, Allah never ceases welcoming returning servants.