Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Ata bin Yasar says: Indeed, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Sayyiduna Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him) towards Yemen. He (Mu'adh) said: O Messenger of Allah! Advise me with some counsel. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Adopt taqwa (God-consciousness) as much as you are able, remember Allah near every stone and tree, and whenever you commit a bad deed, repent immediately. The repentance for a hidden sin should be done secretly, and the repentance for an open sin should be done openly."