Debating False Doctrines: Does Sickness Erase Sins?

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba

Shimba Theological Institute

Islamic Tradition:
According to Sunan Ibn Majah 3469, the Prophet Muhammad supposedly said:

“No calamity befalls a Muslim, nor sickness, nor anxiety, nor sorrow, nor harm, nor distress — not even a thorn that pricks him — but that Allah expiates some of his sins thereby.”

This hadith teaches that physical suffering, illness, and emotional hardship automatically erase a person’s sins in Islam.

The Christian Position:
This concept directly contradicts the revealed Word of God in the Bible, which teaches that forgiveness of sins comes only through repentance and faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, not through personal suffering or illness.

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Why This Hadith Is a False Doctrine

1. Suffering Alone Does Not Remove Sin

Nowhere in the Bible does God teach that human suffering, sickness, or distress erases sins. In fact, Scripture warns us not to believe in human works or personal trials as a means of salvation:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

Salvation and the forgiveness of sins are not earned by enduring sickness or trouble — they are granted through the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross.

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2. Only the Blood of Christ Removes Sin

The Bible is clear that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ atones for sin:

“Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission [forgiveness] of sins.” — Hebrews 9:22

Physical pain or disease does not cleanse a soul before God. Only Christ’s sacrifice on the cross satisfies divine justice and offers forgiveness.

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3. Suffering in the Bible Has a Different Purpose

While suffering exists in Christian theology, it serves purposes such as testing faith (James 1:2-4), producing perseverance (Romans 5:3-5), or bringing a person to repentance — but it does not itself remove guilt or sin. The sinner must confess, repent, and believe in Jesus:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

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Conclusion: False Assurance Is Dangerous

This hadith gives Muslims a false sense of assurance — implying that enduring hardships automatically cleanses sin without the need for repentance, faith, or a Savior. It misleads people into trusting in suffering rather than seeking forgiveness through God’s appointed Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

The Bible firmly rejects this doctrine. Sin is deadly and cannot be wiped away by pain or sickness. Only the grace of God through Christ’s sacrifice can save.

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Final Word:
If you’re a Muslim reading this, don’t settle for false promises that suffering alone will erase sin. Come to the cross of Jesus Christ, where the true and eternal forgiveness is found.

Shalom,
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

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