The Hadith

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that the Messenger of Allah said:

“Indeed Allah has pardoned for my nation mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are forced to do.”  

Reference

Reported by Ibn Majah and others, and it is a hasan hadith.  

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Explanation (From Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan)

In this hadith the Prophet explained that Allah has lifted blame from the Muslim community in three situations.  

The first is mistakes, when a person commits an act unintentionally without intending the wrongdoing.  

The second is forgetfulness, when a person leaves something or does something because he forgot.  

The third is coercion, when a person is compelled to do something against his will.  

In these situations the person is not sinful because the action did not occur intentionally.  

This hadith demonstrates the mercy and ease that Allah has placed in the religion for this nation.  

References

The Explanation of Imam an-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith: Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan. Dar Makkah International.

Verified on 2026-10-21 against: The Explanation of Imam an-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith (Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan), Hadith 39.