Abdullah ibn Abbass (RA) narrates that Nabi ﷺ sent a messenger to him, inviting him to Islam. Wahshi (RA) replied, “O Muhammad ﷺ! How can you call me to Islam when you say that a murderer, a mushrik and an adulterer shall meet with a grave punishment (as mentioned in the Qur’an, 25:68)?” In response to his concern, Allah then revealed a verse exempting those who repent. Allah says, “Except for those who (sincerely) repent, accept faith and perform good actions. For such people Allah will convert their sins into good deeds. Allah is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Qur’an, 25:70).
Wahshi (RA) replied, “O Muhammad ﷺ! The condition in this verse is uncompromising. What if I do not have the opportunity to fulfil it?” Nabi ﷺ replied with the verse, “Verily Allah does not forgive shirk, but may forgive all (sins) besides this for whom He wills” (Qur’an, 4:48). Wahshi (RA) replied, “This forgiveness depends on the will of Allah. I do not know whether I shall be forgiven or not. Is there any other scope for me?” Nabi ﷺ replied with the verse, “Say, “O My servants who have wronged their souls, never lose hope of Allah’s mercy. Verily, Allah forgives all sins. Undoubtedly, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful”” (Qur’an 39:53). Upon hearing this verse, Wahshi (RA) accepted Islam (recorded in Hayaatus Sahaabah and Tabarani).
After the demise of Nabi ﷺ and in the khilafah of Abu Bakr (RA), a few individuals claimed prophethood. Amongst them was Musaylimah Al-Kaddhab and his wife, Sajah. Abu Bakr (RA) declared war against Musaylimah, which became known as the battle of Yamama. In this battle, Wahshi (RA) killed Musaylimah using the same spear that he killed Hamza (RA) with. He remarked that this is in lieu of that. I had killed a great person and now I have killed the most wretched. I hope Allah will atone that evil deed, through this good deed. From this brief summary of his life, we learn 5 key lessons:
1) Be concerned for others: Our utmost concern should always be learning Deen, acting upon Deen and spreading Deen. Everything else pales in comparison. Thus, Nabi ﷺ was concerned for Wahshi (RA) and made an effort to invite him to Islam, even though he killed his uncle.
2) Be tolerant: Wahshi (RA) asked many questions, yet Nabi ﷺ never became tired of answering. Due to the patience and perseverance of Nabi ﷺ, Wahshi (RA) eventually accepted Islam. When we encounter such situations, be tolerant for the sake of Allah. As long as Allah is rewarding us, we have reason to stop, for we are in greater need of reward than others are in need of our advice. Thus, be of assistance.
3) Never lose hope: Forget the past and make way for a better future. For every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.
4) We have no right to write anyone off: Wahshi (RA) killed a great Sahaabi (RA). Years later, he became a Sahaabi (RA) too. We have no right to observe the sins of others and dismiss them, as Allah can change their fate in seconds.
5) Perform good deeds to atone for your sins: In regret of his sins, Wahshi (RA) later killed Musaylimah and expressed hope that Allah will accept this good in replacement of his sin. Our Ulama have advised us that if we sin in a certain place, as soon as we notice, repent and perform a good deed in that same place. If not, perform a good deed whenever possible in lieu of the sin. May Allah grant us the ability to do so, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 25/9/19 in Cape Town. To listen to the full talk, please click here.