‘Ataa ibn Yasar related from Ibn ‘Abbas that a man came to him and said: Indeed I asked for a woman’s hand but she refused to enter into marital relations with me. Then someone else besides me asked for her hand, and she was glad to enter into marital relations with him. And I became jealous over her, so I killed her; is there any way I can repent? He said: Is your mother still alive? And he said: No. He said: Repent unto Allah Mightly and Sublime and draw near to him as best you can. Then I [‘Ataa] went and asked Ibn ‘Abbas: Why did you ask him if his mother was alive? And he said: Indeed I know of no deed closer to Allah Mighty and Sublime than benevolence towards one’s mother.