The Condition of the Slave Regarding Sins – Analogy by Imam Ahmad

The Condition of the Slave Regarding Sins – Analogy by Imam Ahmad

Imam Ahmad – May Allaah have mercy upon him – was walking in a muddy land while being cautious not to step in it. His [i.e. Imam Ahmad] foot then got stuck in it [i.e. the mud] and it sank deeper. 

He then said to his companions: 

“This is the condition of the slave; he is cautious of falling into sin, then if it occurs that he falls into it [i.e. sins], he plunges into it.”

[al-Aadaab al-Shar’iyyah : 1/82] 

This analogy by Imam Ahmad – May Allaah have mercy upon him – should be contemplated over deeply.

He compares the state of one who is walking in a land full of mud and how he will be extremely cautious not to walk in this mud, avoiding to get their shoes or clothes dirty. 

At first, the individual will be diligent in avoiding walking in the mud by walking slowly and not rushing when waking. He will possibly raise his garment or even take off his shoes just so he does not get mud on them. All of this so that he remains clean and in a good appearance. 

However, if it happens that after all of that effort and striving, he steps in the mud, what does the individual do? Does he then still try to avoid the mud in the same manner as he was in the beginning or does his care for being cautious now weaken? Does he give up now since what he was trying to avoid all this while occurred anyway and now he sees no point in avoiding it anymore? 

This is what happens to the individual once they step into the mud after striving for a long time of avoiding it. He loses his resolve and no longer cares. 

This is similar to what happens to the individual who strives hard to avoid falling into a particular sin. He tries to avoid all that may lead to it. He avoids evil companions that may call him to it. He may do everything in his power to avoid this sin and yet still falls into it.

Then, the shaytaan comes to him and makes him believe that he is doomed and to continue. Makes him believe that all of his effort was worth nothing and causes him to sink deeper and deeper until this sin becomes part of his personality and character.

What he does not realize though is that he was rewarded for that prior striving and effort he put forth in avoiding sins and once he falls into sin what is upon him is repentance and to strive again as he was doing previously and he should not allow the shaytaan to deceive him to give up and lose hope.

Translated by and Notes: Abu Salih Ilyas Aidarus