The Explanation of the Ḥadīth of Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq
One short supplication. A far-reaching question.
The question inside one supplication
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا، وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ، وَارْحَمْنِي، إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
“O Allāh, I have wronged myself greatly, and none forgives sins but You. So forgive me with a forgiveness from Yourself, and have mercy upon me. You are the Ever-Forgiving, the Bestower of Mercy.”
al-Bukhārī 834 | Muslim 2705
How could Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, with his rank and virtue, say: “O Allāh, I have wronged myself greatly”?
Ibn Taymiyyah begins here.A concise text opens into an entire treatise
Ibn Taymiyyah examines wrongdoing, repentance, forgiveness, mercy and the servant’s continual need of his Lord.
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1
What does it mean to wrong oneself?
Wrongdoing is not restricted to the grave and obvious sins that first come to mind.
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2
Why do the righteous seek forgiveness?
Repentance and istighfār are not contrary to their excellence. They are among the causes of their perfection and elevation.
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3
Why “a forgiveness from You”?
The precise wording opens a discussion of Allāh’s forgiveness, mercy and favour.
ISNAD PRESS
The Explanation of the Ḥadīth of Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq
Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah
- 144 pages
- Paperback, matte cover
- Royal 156 x 234 mm
- ISBN 978-1-9163999-3-8