Fatwa ID: 04528
Answered by: Mufti Eunus Ali
Question:
As salaam alaikum,
How can we reconcile the Hadith which in which the Prophet (P) said: " The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.” [Classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah] with not forgiving the drinker of alcohol after his repentance the fourth time:
“If he does that again the fourth time, Allaah will not accept his prayers for forty days, and if he repents, Allaah will not accept his repentance and He will give him to drink from the river of the fluid flowing from the inhabitants of Hell.” [At-Tirmithi and others]
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Walaikum Salam.
The scholars have explained the statement ‘Allah will not accept his repentance’ in the following manner:
- This statement is an emphasis on the severity of the sin of the consumption of intoxication and will not be taken literally keeping in mind the Quranic verses and Ahadith of repentance. In other words, this statement was said figuratively.[1]
- This statement is highlighting that a person will possibly be deprived of the ability and/or opportunity of repentance due to the repetition of this sin.[2]
Conclusion: We can understand through the explanation of the scholars that there will be a holistic approach in reconciling the two Hadith keeping in mind the verses and Hadith regarding forgiveness.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Mufti Eunus Ali
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
