Giving up sins for the sake of people
Fatwa No: 125743

Question

Assalamu Alaikum.
If someone leaves a haram act for a human beings sake instead of Allah's sake. Wat is the fiqh on this?
JazakumAllahukhairan

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

 

Undoubtedly, it is more favorable and more perfect to give up a sin seeking the Pleasure of Allaah The Almighty, so that the repentant would receive the great reward from the Generous Lord Allaah The Almighty. However, giving up a sin in itself is required. If one gives up a sin just for the sake of people, he would miss much good he was to receive were he to give up the sin seeking the Countenance of Allaah The Almighty. Therefore, the mere act of giving up a sin is in itself good. Had there been no other benefit in this than to stop committing sin, it would have been enough.

However, to feel bashful of people is good. It is proven that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Bashfulness brings forth nothing but goodness." [Muslim] However, it is worthier to feel bashful of Allaah The Almighty, for He has a better right that people should feel bashful of Him.

So, be eager to save your soul and repent of sin, seeking the Countenance of Allaah, and receive the glad tidings of a good reward.

Allaah Knows best.

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