Said by: Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as)
Status: ✅ Verified reference
Reference: Al-Kafi (Shaykh al-Kulayni), Volume 2, Kitab al-Iman wa al-Kufr, Chapter 188 (Bab al-Iqrar bi al-Dhunub — Confessing Sins and Regret for It), Hadith 2.
Arabic:
لَا وَاللهِ مَا أَرَادَ اللهُ تَعَالَى مِنَ النَّاسِ إِلَّا خَصْلَتَيْنِ: أَنْ يُقِرُّوا لَهُ بِالنِّعَمِ فَيَزِيدَهُمْ، وَبِالذُّنُوبِ فَيَغْفِرَهَا لَهُمْ
English translation:
"By Allah, Allah, the Most High, wants only two things from people: that they confess His blessings to Him, so He increases them; and that they confess their sins to Him, so He forgives them."
Explanation: Allah's demand is small and kind: say "thank You" for His blessings, and say "forgive me" for your sins. The first brings more blessings; the second brings forgiveness. Note that this confession is to Allah alone — not a public announcement of one's sins to other people.
Allah's demand is small and kind: say "thank You" for His blessings, and say "forgive me" for your sins.