THE GREATEST FAVOUR TO SEEK FROM GOD IS FORGIVENESS
Al-Risala (English), September-October 1998, p. 29
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
THE GREATEST FAVOUR TO SEEK FROM GOD IS FORGIVENESS
1998 9-10 September-October 29 THE GREATEST FAVOUR TO SEEK FROM GOD IS FORGIVENESS (167) According to Anas ibn Malik, the Helpers (Madinan Muslims) suffered from not having enough camels to irrigate their land. They came, therefore, to the Prophet, hoping that he would be able to provide them with camels, or arrange for a canal to be dug which would bring them an abundant supply of water. The Prophet looked towards the Helpers and greeted them thrice. “Whatever you ask of me today, I shall certainly give you,” he said. “And whatever I ,ask of God on your behalf, He will surely grant.” At these words, the Helpers experienced a change of heart. “The greatest thing we can ask for is the Hereafter,” they thought. “Why waste such a precious opportunity by asking for the world?” Then they said to one another, “Let us take advantage of this opportunity and ask for forgiveness.” Addressing the Prophet they said, “Ask the Lord to forgive us.” “Lord, forgive the Helpers,” was the Prophet’s immediate response. “Forgive their children: forgive their wives.”
(Ahmad, Musnad)
