Article appeared Friday, December 1st, 2017 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (502) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

We often discuss activities of others. Such conversations sometimes turn to the topic of sin,
e.g., what sins others are committing. However, have we ever asked our self the definition of sin
or what exactly constitutes a sin?

Can sin be defined? What is sin? To answer this question, it may help to ask further questions
that may lead to possible answers. Who is a sin against? Do we sin against others, our self or
God? Who decides the punishment for a sin is it others, our self or God? Who is likely to be
punished for a sin, i.e., the perpetrator or others? If the judgment of a sin is in the hands of God
who, then, is best to define what sin is? Would it be human beings or God Himself?

If the decision rests with God Himself, what is He likely to decide sin as? Could it be doing
things that may displease Him? Now, what is likely to displease Him? Can we find answers to
this question in the Holy Scriptures? Browsing the Al-Quran, we find the following Verse.
It you disbelieve, truly Allah is free from need of you; but He dislikes ingratitude from
His servants: if you are grateful He is pleased with you. No bearer of burdens can bear
the burden of another. In the end to your Lord is your return when He will tell you the
truth of all that you did (in this life). For He knows well all that is in (men's) hearts. [39.7]

Can we discuss and analyze the meaning of the Verse [39.7] in relation to the question, what
would displease God? Would the characteristics of disbelief and ingratitude displease the
Creator? If so why why would He be displeased by not fulfilling the purpose for which He
has created us?
Do they not reflect in their own minds? Not but for just ends and for a term appointed
did Allah create the heavens and the earth and all between them: yet are there truly
many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)! [30.8]

If we compare and reflect on the two Verses, 30.8 and 39.7 what conclusion can we come to?
We are here for just ends, to demonstrate just or righteous behavior, i.e., to witness and
establish the truth about God that He is the Merciful Creator by believing in Him and
demonstrating our gratitude for having been created and given the gift of life?
O people! Adore your Guardian-Lord who created you and those who came before you
that you may become righteous. [2.21]

Having discussed the purpose of being created, how can unrighteous behavior or sin be
defined? Is it carrying out activities or demonstrating behavior that ignores or denies the
existence of God and His purpose in creating us? Throughout the ages, God, who is Most
Merciful has arranged incidents or situations from which we can learn and be confirmed about
His Existence and His Quality of Mercy. One such incident is the competition where the
magicians of Pharaoh competed with the miracles sent by God through Moses. Moses rod or
stick turned to a real snake which devoured the illusions and props of the magicians. Being
professional magicians they immediately realized that the Sign Moses had bought was not a
trick, it was real therefore they declared their new found belief in God. Their conviction was so
solid that they no longer feared Pharaoh who had terrorized the land with his oppression.
For us we have believed in our Lord: may He forgive us our sins and the magic to
which you (Pharaoh) compelled us to do: for God is Best and Most Enduring." [20.73]
What about those, who witnessed the miracles of Moses, yet continued to disbelieve? In each
persons life, God arranges events and situations that help us realize the reality of God and His
Mercy. Realization can also come through reading and reflecting on the events reported in the
Holy Scriptures. What would happen if we continue to assume that objects other than God have
more power than Him over our life?

20.74 Verily he who comes to his Lord as a sinner (at judgment) for him is Hell:
therein shall he neither die nor live.
If we do not reflect and establish belief in Gods overriding Power over His entire creation, then
just as He is Merciful, His punishment is most terrible.
then fear the fire whose fuel is Men and Stones which is prepared for those who
reject Faith. [2.24]

On the other hand, if we reflect and establish belief, i.e., fear Him more than objects, things and
events on earth, and do deeds that demonstrate heartfelt adoration towards God, then

20.75 But such as comes to Him as Believers who have worked righteous deeds
for them are ranks exalted
The Day We shall gather the righteous to (Allah) Most Gracious like a band presented
before a king for honors. [19.85]

20.76 Gardens of Eternity beneath which flow rivers: they will dwell therein
forever: such is the reward of those who purify themselves (from evil).

God protects and saves those who establish belief in the most powerful ways ways that are
beyond our comprehension. Pharaoh had intended to punish Moses and his followers by killing
them. Pharaoh and his fully armed army pursued Moses and his followers to carry out their plan.
However, what did God do?

20.77 We sent an inspiration to Moses: "Travel by night with my servants and

strike a dry path for them through the sea without fear of being overtaken (by
Pharaoh) and without (any other) fear."
How powerful is the most powerful army or weapon compared to the Power of God? If we
establish belief, all other fears should leave us.

20.78 Then Pharaoh pursued them with his forces but the waters completely
overwhelmed them and covered them up.
From a ruler, a blessed position granted by God, what would He expect? As a human, to
establish belief, become righteous and also guide his subjects towards similarly establishing
belief? However,

20.79 Pharaoh led his people astray instead of leading them aright.
Pharaoh declared that he was god and punished those who did not accept him to be such.

We should keep on striving and reflecting on events in history and in our own life to establish
belief in our hearts. Regardless of the sins committed in the past, we should never despair of
Gods Mercy.
But without doubt I am (also) He that forgives again and again to those who repent,
believe, and do right who upon reflection are ready to receive true guidance. [20.82]