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Losing things because of forgetfulness

Question

Salam Alaykom. What is the ruling in islam on forgettfulness?? It seems like I am always losing something like a crown for my husband's tooth; it was for 500.00; now he has to make a new one from the dentist- he has to pay 500.00 just because of me and I don't remember where it is., also about receipts from the store. I am really devastated about my self and I cried alot because of this tooth and some other things. Will I get punished for this? And also is there any du'aa on refreshing my memory and to help make my memory sharp? Jazak'allah Khayran

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

Forgetting and making mistakes are normal characteristics of humans; it is for this reason that Allaah does not hold us responsible for things we commit by mistake and those which we forget to do. Allaah Says (what means): {Allaah does not burden a soul beyond its scope.}[Quran 2:286]. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Allaah will not hold my nation to account for things they do by mistake or they forget to do, and for things which they are forced to do.

Therefore, you are not sinful for the loss of things resulted from your forgetfulness.

For more benefit on treating forgetfulness, please refer to Fatwa 90456.

Allaah Knows best.

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