Question

I want to know if this Hadith which mentions those who make istighfar will be granted safety from Allah’s punishment is authentic?

العبد آمن من عذاب الله، ما استغفر الله

Translation: A person will be safe from the punishment of Allah as long as he seeks Allah’s forgiveness.

 

Answer

Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Fadalah ibn ‘Ubayd (radiyallahu ‘anhu) with a weak chain.

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 6, pg. 20)

However, Allah Ta’ala not punishing those who make istighfar is mentioned in the Quran. Allah Ta’ala mentions: “Nor does Allah punish people while they are asking His forgiveness.” (Surah Al Anfal, Verse: 33)

The Hadith in question is well corroborated and suitable to quote.

Also see a corroborating narration here.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

__________

التخريج من المصادر العربية

مسند أحمد: (٦/ ٢٠)
حدثنا معاوية بن عمرو، حدثنا رشدين، قال: حدثني معاوية بن سعيد التجيبي، عمن حدثه عن فضالة بن عبيد، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال: «العبد آمن من عذاب الله، ما استغفر الله».

القرآن الكريم: [الأنفال: ٣٣]
{وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَأَنْتَ فِيهِمْ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ مُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ}.