Question
There is a very beautiful Hadith I have heard in a khutbah showing Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)’s love and patience. Can you please provide the exact words and reference.
When the rumour about Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) spread, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to her and said; “O ‘Aaishah, if what they say is true than seek forgiveness and if what they say is false than Allah will make it apparent”.
Answer
This is part of a lengthy Hadith known as ‘Hadithul ifk’ [The Hadith of the lie/slander] which discusses the series of events that unfolded when Ummul Mu’minin Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) was falsely accused of committing zina and adultery.
Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) says:
“….Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: O ‘Aaishah, such and such [accusations regarding you] have come to my notice. If you are innocent then Allah will soon declare your innocence and if you did commit this sin then seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent, for verily when a servant confesses and repents, Allah will forgive him…”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2661 and 4141, Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2770)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar