لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ lā taqnaṭū min raḥmatillāh, inna allāha yaghfiru al-dhunūba jamīʿan, innahu huwa al-ghafūru al-raḥīm Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful." (Quran 39:53)
Lesson
The Light of Hope – The Story of Ka‘b ibn Mālik’s (R)Redemption
During the time of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), there was a devoted companion named Ka‘b ibn Mālik. He was known for his sincerity and deep faith. However, during the critical Battle of Tabuk, he made a mistake—he failed to join the Muslim army, despite having the means to do so.
Realising Mistake
When the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muslims returned to Madinah, Ka‘b(RA) felt immense guilt. He knew he could have lied to justify his absence, but he chose the truth. He approached the Prophet (ﷺ) and confessed his mistake.
The Prophet (ﷺ), guided by divine wisdom, instructed the community to distance themselves from Ka‘b(RA) and two other men who had also stayed behind. This was a test for them—a time of deep reflection and repentance.
The Test of Patience
Days turned into weeks, and Ka‘b (RA)felt isolated. His heart was filled with sorrow, but he held onto hope. He spent his days in prayer, seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Even when the king of a foreign land invited him to join them in exchange for betraying Islam, he tore the letter apart.
For fifty days, he lived in loneliness, yet his faith never wavered. He knew that Allah’s mercy was greater than his sins.
The Glad Tidings
Then, one morning, after Fajr prayer, a voice called out in the streets of Madinah:
“Rejoice, O Ka‘b! Allah has accepted your repentance!”
Tears of joy filled Ka‘b’s eyes. He rushed to the Prophet (ﷺ), who smiled warmly at him. The Prophet (ﷺ) recited the divine revelation:
Revelation
“…And He also forgave the three who were left behind… and they realized that there is no refuge from Allah except in Him. Then, He turned to them so they may repent. Indeed, Allah is the Most Accepting of Repentance, the Most Merciful.” (Quran 9:118)
Moral of the Story
Never lose hope in Allah’s mercy. No matter how great the mistake, sincere repentance brings forgiveness.
Truthfulness leads to salvation. Even when lying seems easier, honesty brings honor and divine acceptance.
Tests of patience are temporary. Hardship may last, but Allah’s mercy is always near.
