Are Sins Forgiven for Type 1 Diabetes or Just During Hardships?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Are sins continuously forgiven for someone with type 1 diabetes, or only when experiencing specific hardships, such as injecting insulin with a needle?
Answer
In Islam, believers can achieve forgiveness for their sins through worship, sincere repentance, patience during hardships, and Allah’s mercy. Chronic illnesses like Type 1 diabetes are hardships through which Allah expiates sins and elevates the spiritual ranks of those afflicted, provided they remain patient and turn to Him.
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm, or sadness befalls a Muslim—even a thorn prick—except that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it” [Bukhari and Muslim].
This applies to the daily challenges of managing Type 1 diabetes, such as insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring, and dietary restrictions. Enduring these difficulties while seeking treatment reflects patience, which carries great rewards.
Forgiveness is not limited to specific hardships; rather, the overall experience of living with a chronic illness—when met with patience and contentment—can lead to forgiveness and spiritual growth. Thus, for someone with Type 1 diabetes, the daily struggle can serve as a continuous opportunity for spiritual purification through patience, gratitude, and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
Key Advice
– Patience (Sabr): Be patient with the illness and its challenges.
– Gratitude (Shukr): Thank Allah for access to treatment and the ability to manage the condition.
– Trust (Tawakkul): Place your trust in Allah, recognizing that He knows what is best for you.
– Repentance (Tawba): Continue seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings.
Allah’s mercy is vast, and He rewards those who persevere through hardships with faith and reliance on Him. As Allah says, “Indeed, Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.” [Quran, 2:286]
May Allah grant ease, reward patience, and purify the hearts of all those who face trials.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Dr Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
