The Hadith
Abu Dharr Jundub ibn Junadah and Abu Abd al-Rahman Muadh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Fear Allah wherever you are.
Follow up a bad deed with a good deed and it will erase it.
And behave toward people with good character.”
Reference
Reported by at-Tirmidhi, who said it is a hasan sahih hadith.
Explanation (From Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan)
In this hadith the Prophet gave comprehensive advice that includes duties toward Allah and duties toward people.
The Prophet said:
“Fear Allah wherever you are.”
This means that a Muslim should maintain taqwa (fear and consciousness of Allah) in every situation, whether in public or in private.
Taqwa includes obeying Allah’s commands and avoiding what He has forbidden.
The Prophet then said:
“Follow up a bad deed with a good deed and it will erase it.”
This means that when a person commits a sin, he should perform a good deed afterward. Good deeds remove the effects of sins and help a person return to righteousness.
The Prophet also said:
“And behave toward people with good character.”
This instruction encourages the Muslim to treat people with kindness, patience, and good manners.
Good character includes avoiding harm to others, showing patience, and dealing with people in a manner that reflects the teachings of Islam.
This hadith shows that a Muslim’s life should include taqwa toward Allah, repentance from sins, and good character toward people.
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 18.