— Written by: AbdurRaheem Shakirat
Many of us have, at times, felt an unsettling weight when we sin, this nagging thought that perhaps Allah can’t forgive us. Some even go so far as to label others, insisting that they are beyond the reach of mercy, destined for Jahanam (hell).
Yet, in doing so, we overlook the profound truth about Allah: He is Ar-Rahman, the embodiment of limitless mercy. We forget that He is Al-Ghaffar, the One who endlessly forgives. His compassion is so vast that He specifically warns us not to fall into despair regarding His forgiveness. He reminds us in the Quran,
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness is limitless and ever-present. His door remains wide open, regardless of your past or the mistakes you have made. Some of the most profound testimonies to this truth come from those who once opposed Islam but ultimately transformed into those who get honored in it. They were part of those who caused havoc in Islam yet Allah forgives them and they became part of those we use “radiyallahu anhuma” (May Allah be pleased with them) today.
There are not just historical figures, they are divine lessons from Allah to show us that He forgives and He is the One who grants redemption.
Now, who are these great individuals? They are no other than these well-known Sahabah (companions), Khaalid Ibn Al- Waleed and Wahshi Ibn Harb (radiyyallu anhuma – May Allah be pleased with them)
Khaalid Ibn Al-Waleed was a remarkable warrior and a brilliant strategist. He used to be a fierce enemy of Islam. We all recognize the deep sorrow surrounding the Battle of Uhud, one of the most challenging and heartbreaking moments in Islamic history, where many Muslims suffered great losses. It was Khaalid Ibn Waleed who devised the strategy against the Muslims during this battle, leading his troops with skill when some Muslims had retreated.
However, not long after this painful event, Allah’s mercy touched his heart. Khaalid embarked on a journey from Mekkah to Medinah, driven by a longing for truth. There, he sought out the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and embraced Islam with sincerity. He humbly requested the Prophet to pray for Allah’s forgiveness for his past sins. The Prophet responded,
“Islam wipes away all that came before it.” Sahih Muslim, Hadith 121
After embracing Islam, Abu Sulayman (Khaalid Ibn Waleed) dedicated his life to the worship of Allah and became a fierce defender of faith and truth. He fought valiantly in many significant battles against polytheism, including the battle of Mut’ah, battle of Yamaamah, battle of Yarmouk, battle of Hunayn, Wars of Apostasy etc. demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his belief.
The Prophet bestowed upon him the name “Sayfullah” (The Sword among the Swords of Allah), a title that reflects his profound role in the journey of Islamic history. It is said that Allah granted Khaleed an extraordinary gift: he never lost a battle. Indeed, a sword of Allah is destined to triumph!
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Khalid is one of the Swords of Allah, unleashed against the disbelivers.”
Jami’ At-Tirmidhi 3848, Hasan.
Khaalid’s remarkable transformation from an enemy of Islam to one of its strongest champions shows a powerful reminder that no sin is too great when meet with genuine repentance.
Another historical figure who receive such divine mercy and forgiveness from Allah was Washi Ibn Harb (May Allah be pleased with him). Washi was a slave who was promised to be freed by Hind bint Utbah if he killed our beloved Sahabah, the maternal uncle of the Prophet, the first man to hold the Islamic battle flag, the man whom his death made the Prophet peace be upon him) heartbroken, Hamzah Ibn Abi Muttallib.
Ibn Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported, ” We never saw the Messenger of Allah weep more bitterly than he did for Hamzah”. — Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak Sahih.
Washi was a skilled Ethiopian slave under one of the leader of the Quraysh. During the preparation of the battle of Uhud, Jubayr Ibn Mut’im promised Washi freedom if he killed Hamzah, who had killed Jubayr’s uncle in the battle of Badr.
A woman (now a Sahabiyyah too. Allah Akbar- Allah is the greatest) Hind bint Utbah also wanted revenge and encouraged Washi to kill Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him).
During the chaos in the battle of Uhud, Washi hid in a corner and waited until Hamzah was fully engrossed in battle, using a spear, he threw it. The spear struck Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him) instantly. Washi narrated;
“I watched for an opportunity to kill Hamzah. I found him fighting fiercely… I aimed and threw my spear at him… It pierced him and came out through his body. He fell and died.”
Classical Seerah – The Sealed Nectar,
Safī-ur-Rahmān al-Mubārakpūrī.
Upon Hamzah’s death, Hind(May Allah be pleased with her) mutilated Hamzah’s body. And as promised Washi was granted freedom.
Years later, Washi approached the Prophet with fear, confessing his brutal role in Hamzah’s death. The Prophet of Allah did not deny him Islam despite the pain he felt about Hamzah’s death. When Washi became a Muslim, to redeem himself he participated in the battle of Yammamah (One of the fiercest battles in Islam), where Khalid Ibn Waleed was the Commander of Muslims against Musaylimah – the liar.
It was reported that Wahshi killed Musaylimah with the same spear he had used to kill Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him).
Washi said, “I killed the best of people (Hamzah) in days of ignorance, and I killed the worst of people (Musaylimah) in Islam”. Classical Seerah – The Sealed Nectar,
Safī-ur-Rahmān al-Mubārakpūrī.
These stories are powerful examples of redemption, showing how Allah’s mercy can turn a man’s deepest regret into an act of honour.
Brethren, I want to remind you that no matter how heavy your sins may feel, please do not lose hope in Allah’s boundless mercy. Seek sincere repentance from Him with all your heart, and don’t put off this important step, thinking that you have plenty of time. What matters most is the sincerity of your worship to Allah; it’s a sacred matter that deserves your utmost seriousness.
Always remember, He is incredibly forgiving, yet He is also just and can be severe in punishment. Take solace in His mercy, and let it guide you toward a path of repentance and peace.
Sources.
● Men and Women Around the Messenger by Khavalid Muhammad Khaalid and Dr Abel Hamid Eliwal.
● The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum) by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
● When the Moon Split by Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri.