What is the story of the man who killed 99 souls and repented?

The story of the man who killed ninety-nine people and sought repentance is a profound narrative that carries deep lessons about the mercy of Allah, the importance of seeking knowledge, and the potential for redemption regardless of one's past sins. This story is documented in Sahih Muslim, narrated by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), and it reflects the timeless principles of forgiveness and the hope that Islam offers to all believers.

Once upon a time, in a community before our own, there was a man who had committed a grievous sin: he had killed ninety-nine people. Consumed by guilt and the weight of his actions, he began to wonder if there was any way for him to seek forgiveness and be redeemed. He was genuinely remorseful and desperate for a way to cleanse his soul and return to the path of righteousness.

Determined to find a solution, he set out to seek counsel from the wisest person he could find. He asked around, inquiring about the most learned individual on earth, hoping that such a person could provide him with the guidance he needed. His search led him to a monk, known for his devotion and piety.

Upon meeting the monk, the man confessed his dark past. He revealed that he had killed ninety-nine people and anxiously asked if there was any possibility for his repentance to be accepted. The monk, perhaps overwhelmed by the enormity of the man's sins and lacking the deep understanding of Allah's infinite mercy, replied in the negative. He told the man that there was no hope for his repentance, effectively closing the door to any chance of redemption.

Frustrated and further burdened by despair, the man reacted violently and killed the monk, completing his grim tally to a hundred. Despite this additional sin, the man's desire for repentance did not wane. He was still driven by a flicker of hope and a sincere wish to change his ways.

Undeterred by his previous experience, the man continued his quest for forgiveness. He asked once more for the most knowledgeable person on earth. This time, he was directed to a scholar, a man of deep understanding and insight into the nature of Allah's mercy and the conditions of repentance.

The man approached the scholar and again confessed his sins. He admitted to killing a hundred people and asked if there was any hope for his repentance. The scholar, in contrast to the monk, understood the boundless mercy of Allah. He reassured the man, saying, "Yes, and who can come between you and repentance?" He then advised the man to leave his current environment, which was filled with sin and negativity, and to go to a particular land where people were devoted to worshipping Allah. He instructed him to join those people in their worship and to not return to his previous land of evil.

Following the scholar's advice, the man set out on his journey to the new land. He was determined to change his life and seek Allah's forgiveness. However, while he was en route, death overtook him. This led to a dispute between the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment. The angels of mercy argued that the man was on his way to repentance, coming sincerely to Allah with a repentant heart. The angels of punishment contended that he had not performed any good deeds to warrant forgiveness.

To resolve this dispute, Allah sent an angel in the form of a human to judge between them. The angel instructed them to measure the distance between the man's current location and the two lands—the land he had left and the land he was heading towards. The judgment was that if he was closer to the land of the righteous, he would be taken by the angels of mercy. If he was closer to the land of sin, he would be taken by the angels of punishment.

In a display of divine mercy, Allah made the land toward which the man was heading draw nearer, and the land he had left move further away. Consequently, when the distances were measured, the man was found to be closer to the land of the righteous, and thus, the angels of mercy took his soul.

This story beautifully illustrates several key lessons. First and foremost, it emphasizes the infinite mercy of Allah. No sin is too great for Allah’s forgiveness if the repentance is sincere. The man had committed heinous crimes, yet his genuine remorse and efforts to seek forgiveness were accepted by Allah.

Secondly, it highlights the importance of seeking knowledge from those who are truly learned in the faith. The monk's lack of understanding led to a tragic outcome, whereas the scholar's deep knowledge provided the man with the hope and guidance he needed.

Lastly, the story underscores the significance of a sincere intention (niyyah). The man's intent to repent and change his ways was so sincere that even though he died before he could reach his destination, Allah accepted his repentance. This teaches us that Allah judges us by our intentions and efforts, not just by our actions.

In summary, the story of the man who killed ninety-nine people and sought repentance is a powerful reminder of Allah's boundless mercy, the necessity of seeking proper knowledge, and the importance of sincere intention in the process of repentance. It is a beacon of hope for all who seek forgiveness, illustrating that no matter the gravity of our sins, Allah’s door of mercy is always open.