Question: I would like to know if someone commits a sin, if he / she has seven hours to repent before it is recorded? Any other relevant information on forgiveness is appreciated. Also, can you state what significance (if any) is attached to a black dog, a donkey and a rooster in Islam?

Answer: When a sin is committed by someone, the angel appointed to record it will begin to record it. However, according to authentic traditions, the angel is asked to wait to see if that person would do a good deed (after committing the sin) so that the sin can be blotted out, and in this way the sin would not be recorded. The amount of time the angel waits is not evident in any tradition and I do not know of the seven hours time frame that you have asked about. On this issue, a believer is requested to seek Allah's forgiveness and repent as soon as possible (when he has committed a sin) so that he can escape the wrath and anger of Allah.

Based on what I know of the teachings of Islam, there is no significance attached to a black dog, a donkey or a rooster.


And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan