The punishment for a sin committed by a believer is removed in ten ways:
I. He repents to Allaah (tawbah), so Allaah accepts his repentance, for the one who repents from sin is like the one who has no sin. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“He who seeks repentance (from the Lord) before the rising of the sun from west (before the Day of Resurrection), Allaah turns to him with Mercy.” (Muslim).
2. He seeks forgiveness from Allaah (istig(ar), so Allaah forgives him. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Every night when it is the last third of the night our Lord, the Superior, the Blessed descends to the nearest heaven and says: ‘Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?” (Bukhari)
3. He does good deeds that erase his sins for good deeds erase bad ones. Allaah’s Messenger (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said to Muadh ibn Jabal (RA):
“Fear AIlaah wherever you are; if you follow an evil deed with a good one you will obliterate it; and deal with people with a good disposition.” (Tirmidhi)
4. His believing brothers pray for him or seek forgiveness for his sins during his life or death. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi was sallam) said:
“When a Muslim dies, and three lines of Muslims pray janazah for him, he is granted forgiveness.” (Ahmad)
5. Or they [ask A1laah] to bestow on him as gift from the reward for their deeds, with which Allaah benefits him, such as giving sadaqah. A woman said, “Prophet of Allaah, my mother suddenly died; if it had not happened, she would have given sadaqah (charity) and donated (something). Will it suffice if I give sadaqah on her behalf?” the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sal/am) said:
“Yes, give sadaqah on her behalf.” (Abu Dawud)
6. His Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa sallam), intercedes for him. On the Day of Resurrection, the people will fall on their knees and every nation will follow their prophets and they will say, “O so and so! Intercede (for us with Allaah),” till (the right of) intercession is given to the Prophet (Muhammad) and that will be the day when Allaah will raise him into a station of praise and glory (i.e. Al-Maqam-al-Mahmud).
7. Allaah tests him with trials in this world which expiate his sin. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Affliction continues to befall believing men and women in their body, family and property. until they meet AIlaah burdened with no sins.” (Tirmidhi).
8. Allaah tests him in al-Barzakh (the intermediate life in the grave, between the death and the Day of Judgment) which expiates his sin.
9. Allaah tests him in the various stages of the Day of Judgement which expiates his sins.
10. Or the Most Merciful of those who have mercy has mercy on him.
Whoever, then, is missed by these ten cannot blame anyone but himself.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited