A person came to Ibrahim ibn Adham (may Allah have mercy on him) and said, "Tell me a way by which I can keep doing major misdeeds (sins) and not be seized/held accountable." Hazrat Ibrahim replied, "Accept five things, then do whatever you wish, and you will not be held accountable." (1) First: When you commit a sin, do not eat the sustenance (Rizq) of God. He said, "This is very difficult, for He is the sole Sustainer, so where else shall I eat from?" Ibrahim replied, "Then is it appropriate that you eat His sustenance and then disobey Him?" (2) Second: If you want to commit a sin, go outside of His kingdom and do it. He said, "The entire universe/country is His kingdom, so where can I go out?" Ibrahim replied, "Then it is a very grave matter that you live in His kingdom and start rebelling against Him." (3) Third: When you commit a sin, do it in a place where He cannot see you. He said, "This is extremely difficult, because He even knows the secrets of the hearts." Ibrahim replied, "Then is it appropriate that you eat His sustenance, live in His kingdom, and commit sins right in front of Him?" (4) Fourth: When the Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt) comes to take your soul, tell him, 'Wait a little, let me repent.' He said, "When does he ever grant a respite?" Ibrahim replied, "Then it is only fitting that you repent before his arrival and consider this present time as a blessing." (5) Fifth: On the Day of Resurrection, when the command is given to take you to Hell, say, 'I will not go.' He said, "They will take me there by force." Ibrahim replied, "Then think for yourself now, is sin still dearer to you?" Hearing this, the man fell at his feet and repented with a sincere heart.
