Hardships wipe out one's sins even if he has caused them

10-10-2005 | IslamWeb

Question:

In Islamic teachings, we understand that as Muslims we may hope that Allaah would give us rewards or reduce our punishment in the Hereafter because of hardships we may experience in this world. Is this true even if the hardships were caused by our own sins and mistakes? For example, making a hasty and poorly thought decision or, a person suffering major health problems from his drinking alcohol?
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

 

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "My nation is forgiven and it will not be punished in the Hereafter. Its punishment is in this world: [it is befallen by] afflictions, earthquakes and killing." [Ahmad and Abu Daawood] This is of course in general.

Al-Mullaa may Allaah have mercy upon him said: "Most of their punishment is taken away in this world by the hardship, difficulties, diseases, and other afflictions that befall them."

So the hardships wipe out the sins of a person although he might have caused them himself.

However, this does not contradict the texts and narrations which state that some people of this nation will be punished in Hellfire on the Day of Judgment for some sins which they have committed [in this world]. 

Allaah Knows best.

www.islamweb.net