The revelation continued to descend. The doors of heaven opened often and Jibreel (as) acted as a messenger between Allah (swt) and His people on earth. This Divine connection was broken with the death of Rasulullah (sa). However, the generation that had sprouted and matured under the light of revelation continued the legacy of Rasulullah (sa); they acted upon the teachings of Islam and taught others what they had learnt. They were the Sahabah.
The Sahabah had witnessed life with the Prophet (sa), and thus they understood Islam better than those who came afterwards. Their belief in the unseen, in Allah (swt), and in the Afterlife was unwavering. They had realized the magnificence of Allah (swt), wanted to please Him more than anything else, and were fearful of His wrath. Consequently, their attitude towards sins was very different from the later generations. They viewed them as destroyers.
Anas (rtam) said: “You people do (bad) deeds which are more insignificant in your eyes than a hair, while we used to consider those very deeds during the life-time of the Prophet (sa) as destructive sins.” (Bukhari)
Similarly, Abdullah bin Masood (rtam) once said: “The believer regards his sin, as if he were sitting beneath a mountain which he fears may fall on him, whereas the sinner regards his sin, as if a fly lands on his nose and he swipes it away.” (Tirmidhi)
Nonetheless, the Sahabah were human beings just like we are and they did commit mistakes. However, they were very quick in accepting them, repenting for them, and rectifying them. This is evident from many incidents that have been reported in books of Seerah. Let’s travel back in time and take a look at the attitude of Sahabah towards their sins.
Umar bin Khattab (rtam) and the Treaty of Hudaibiyah
In the sixth year of Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad (sa) dreamt that he was performing Umrah along with his companions. He asked his companions to prepare for the journey and set out. However, the pagans did not allow Muslims to enter Makkah. Instead, a treaty was signed, which entailed that Muslims should come next year. It also included several other clauses and conditions. Muslims felt very saddened by this, especially Umar (rtam).
Umar (rtam) went to the Prophet (sa) and said: “O, Messenger of Allah (sa), aren’t we fighting for truth and they for falsehood?” He replied: “Indeed.” He asked: “Are not those killed from our side in Paradise and those killed from their side in the Fire?” He replied: “Yes.” Umar (rtam) said: “Then why should we put a blot upon our religion and return while Allah (swt) has not decided the issue between them and ourselves?” Prophet Muhammad (sa) replied: “Son of Khattab, I am the Messenger of Allah. Allah (swt) will never ruin me.”
Umar went away, but he could not contain his anger and sadness. After a while, he approached Abu Bakr (rtam) and said: “Abu Bakr, aren’t we fighting for truth and they for falsehood?” He replied: “Yes.” He then asked: “Aren’t those killed from our side in Paradise and those killed from their side in the Fire?” He replied: “Indeed.” Umar (rtam) said: “Then why should we disgrace our religion and return, while Allah (swt) has not yet decided the issue between them and us?” Abu Bakr (rtam) said: “Son of Khattab, verily, he is the Messenger of Allah, and Allah (swt) will never ruin him.”
At this Surah Al-Fath was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (sa). He sent for Umar (rtam) and made him read it. Umar (rtam) inquired: “Is this truce a victory?” Prophet Muhammad (sa) replied: “Yes.” Umar felt pleased and returned back. (Muslim)
Later, Umar (rtam) realized his mistake and felt very embarrassed at the manner, in which he had spoken to the Messenger of Allah (sa). To make up for that day, he fasted, gave Sadaqah, performed voluntary prayers, and freed slaves, due to the fear that he felt because of the words that he had uttered in the presence of Rasulullah (sa) He hoped to rectify his mistake by following it up with good deeds, as the Quran says, “Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e., small sins).” (Hud 11:114)
Umar (rtam) did not have a carefree attitude of thinking: “Oh, I was in Badr, so I shall be forgiven.” The same goes for you and me. We should be mindful about our actions, fear Allah (swt), and follow our bad deeds with good ones.
The Repentance of Kab bin Malik
Kab bin Malik (rtam) was another of the lofty companions. He was from the Ansar and was among the people who pledged allegiance to Prophet Muhammad (sa) in Aqabah.
Kab bin Malik (rtam) had taken part in all the battles alongside Rasulullah (sa) except for Badr. However, when the time came for the battle of Tabook, Kab (rtam) delayed his preparation. Every day he would go out to make preparations but returned not having done anything. He kept postponing to later, until eventually he missed the army and was left behind. He had intended to go but procrastination prevented him.
Upon the return of the army, the hypocrites presented false excuses before the Prophet (sa), but Kab could not do so. He knew that Allah (swt) was aware of the truth, and he had no legal excuse. Kab (rtam) spoke the truth and told the Prophet (sa) about his mistake. Two other companions, Hilal bin Umayyah (rtam) and Mirara bin Rabee’ (r.a) had a similar condition. Prophet Muhammad (sa) asked other companions to boycott the three of them, until Allah (swt) decided their matter and accepted their repentance.
After having sinned, many of us remember our past good deeds, overlook the greatness of our mistake, and move on with a superficial ‘Astaghfirullah’, without feeling any remorse or guilt. Many a times we postpone prayer, until we miss it – we stay behind from the duties given to us by Allah (swt) and indulge in what is forbidden. We tend to forget, but the question is: does Allah (swt) forget?
The case of the Sahabah was different. Kab bin Malik (rtam) and his two companions went through a period of estrangement. They wept bitterly, prayed to Allah (swt), and continuously asked for His forgiveness, until finally after fifty days Allah (swt) forgave them and accepted their repentance.
Sins are dangerous and should be taken as such. We must take precautions to stay away from sinning, and when we do fall for them, we must pay heed to our conscience and act upon the three Rs as the Sahabah did: retract, repent, and rectify.
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