Concealing Sins

1. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid from Muhammad ibn Ali from al- ‘Abbas Mawla al-Rida (a.s.) who has said the following: “I heard the Imam saying, ‘To keep a good deed unnoticed is equal to seventy good deeds. Publicizing an evil deed brings humiliation and for its concealment one may receive forgiveness.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

189. A number of our companions narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, from Ali ibn Al-Hakam, from Abu al-Maghra', from Zayd al-Shahaam that Amru ibn Sa'eed ibn Hilal asked Abu 'Abdillah (al-Sadiq) (as), "I do not get to meet you for many years at a time so bequeath me something that I can hold on to." He (as) said, "I commend to you Taqwa (fear) of Allah, restraint (from sins) and striving (in worship). Beware of setting [your sight] on the one who is above you (i.ecoveting what he has of wealth). It should be sufficient (for you) what Allah (azwj) said to His Messenger: "Let not their wealth and children impress you" (9:55), and He (also) said: "Extend not your gaze (in yearning) to that which We have granted groups of them for (temporary) enjoyment, (it is merely) an adornment of the life of the world" (20:131), but if you fear something of the sort (will happen) then bring to mind the life of Rasulullah (sw), for his diet was barley, his dessert was dates, and his kindling was palm-leaves, if he could find them! And if you are afflicted with an affliction in your person (by sickness), or your wealth (by its loss), or your children (by their death), then recall your affliction in the passing of Rasulullah (sw) for the creation have not been afflicted by its like ever!".

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

2. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Muhammad ibn Sandal from Yasir from al-Yasa’ ibn Hamza from al-Rida (a.s.) who has said the following: “The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘To keep a good deed unnoticed is equal to seventy good deeds. Publicizing an evil deed brings humiliation and for its concealment one may receive forgiveness.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.