The First Time One Sins…
Ibn Hazm Rahmatullahi Allayhi related that a thief was brought to Abu Bakr Radiyallahu Anhu, who said, ‘’Cut off his hands.’’ The thief said, ‘’Forgive me, O Khalifa of the Messenger of Allah, for I have never stolen prior to this.’’ Abu Bakr Radiyallahu Anhu said, ‘’You have lied, for by the one Who has my soul in His hand, Allah does not suddenly take a believer on the first time that he sins.’’
Anas bin Malek Radiyallahu Anhu related that a thief was brought before ‘Umar bin Khattab Radiyallahu Anhu. The thief said, ‘’By Allah, I have never stolen before this.’’ Umar Radiyallahu Anhu said, ‘’You have lied, by the Lord of ‘Umar. Allah does not take a slave at the first sin.’’ It is said that ‘ Ali bin Abi Talib Radiyallahu Anhu said, ‘’O Leader of the believers, Allah is more forbearing than to take a slave for his first sin.’’ ‘Umar Radiyallahu Anhu then gave the order and the man’s hand was cut off. Then Ali Radiyallahu Anhu asked him to speak the truth how many times before had he stolen ? He said, ‘’21 times.’’
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