For this reason, one of the early Muslims said:
“A servant may commit a sin and, because of it, enter Paradise.”
When Allah tests a servant with sin, knowing that he will repent of it and thereafter avoid it, part of Allah’s wisdom and mercy toward His servant is that this increases him in servitude, humility, submissiveness, and lowliness; makes him desire to perform more righteous deeds; and instills in him a strong aversion to evil deeds. The Prophet—peace and blessings of Allah be upon him—said:
“A believer is not stung from the same hole twice.” (1)
This also wards off conceit, haughtiness, and similar traits to which people are susceptible. It also engenders compassion toward Allah’s creation, hope that they will repent and receive mercy when they sin, and encouragement for them to repent.
It also reveals (2) aspects of Allah’s bounty, beneficence, and generosity that could not be manifested without it. Thus, in an authentic hadith, the Prophet—peace and blessings of Allah be upon him—said:
“If you did not sin, Allah would replace you with people who would sin and then seek His forgiveness, and He would forgive them.” (3)
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