Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has forgiven my Ummah for what is whispered to them or what enters their minds, so long as they do not act upon it or speak of it.'"

Sunan an-Nasa'i 3434 | The Book of Divorce

Overview of Divine Mercy

This noble hadith demonstrates the vastness of Allah's mercy toward the Muslim Ummah. It establishes that mere thoughts and whisperings (waswas) that cross one's mind are not recorded as sins, provided they remain internal and are not manifested through speech or action.

Nature of Whisperings (Waswas)

The "whisperings" refer to intrusive thoughts from Satan or the self that may involve doubt, evil suggestions, or inappropriate imaginations. Scholars clarify these are natural human experiences that do not diminish one's faith when resisted.

Conditions for Forgiveness

Forgiveness applies only when three conditions are met: 1) The thought remains internal, 2) No action is taken based upon it, 3) No speech expresses it. Once acted upon or spoken, the matter transitions from forgiven thoughts to accountable deeds.

Practical Implications

This teaching provides great comfort to believers troubled by involuntary thoughts. It distinguishes between natural mental occurrences and deliberate sin, encouraging focus on controlling actions rather than anxiety over passing thoughts. The believer should seek refuge in Allah from Satan's whisperings.

Scholarly Consensus

Major commentators including Imam Nawawi and Ibn Hajar affirm this principle across schools of jurisprudence. They emphasize that accountability begins with intention solidified by will, not with fleeting thoughts that the heart rejects.