Transliteration:( Wallazeena izaa fa'aloo faahishatan aw zalamooo anfusahum zakarul laaha fastaghfaroo lizunoobihim; wa mai yaghfiruz zunooba illal laahu wa lam yusirroo 'alaa maa fa'aloo wa hum ya'lamoon )
In Islam, the term 'indecency' refers to sins that are explicitly punishable, such as adultery and theft. In contrast, 'wronged' encompasses sins where the punishment is not clearly defined, like neglecting prayers (salaah). Each type of sin or transgression requires its own form of repentance. Indecency can relate to major sins, while wrongdoing may refer to minor offenses. Furthermore, indecency often involves actions that harm others, whereas wrongdoing may include transgressions that do not directly affect others.
This verse extends a general invitation for amnesty to all sinners and transgressors. Just as those who perform good deeds belong to Allah, so do those who commit sins. The door to repentance remains open for everyone. It’s important to recognize that while a person can forgive infringements on human rights, such forgiveness is granted through Allah’s grace and bounty. True pardon for sins is obtained only through Allah’s mercy. This verse reassures us that no sin, regardless of its severity, is beyond the possibility of forgiveness. Therefore, no one should despair of Allah’s mercy.
From this teaching, we learn that persistent minor sins—those we fail to refrain from—can lead to the commission of major sins. Additionally, being obstinate in our wrongdoing can hinder our ability to seek genuine repentance. To have our repentance accepted, it is essential to feel true regret for past sins and to resolve not to commit them again.
There are two notable incidents related to the revelation of this verse.
A beautiful woman came to purchase date-like sweets from a trader who was infatuated with her. He lured her into his house, claiming that the better sweets were inside. Once inside, he kissed and embraced her. The woman admonished him, saying, "Fear Allah!" Upon hearing this, the trader felt ashamed and left her. He later approached the Holy Prophet to recount the incident, prompting the revelation of this verse.
Another incident involved two close friends: one who went to fight in a holy war and the other who stayed behind to care for his house. One day, the warrior's wife asked the guardian for some meat. When she reached out to take it, he kissed her hand. Immediately filled with shame, he fled to the jungle, slapping his face and covering it with dust. When the warrior returned and asked about his friend, the wife expressed her wish for protection from such companions. After finding his friend, the warrior brought him to the Holy Prophet, and it is concerning this incident that these verses were revealed.
These accounts illustrate the importance of recognizing our misdeeds and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
The tafsir of Surah Imran verse 135 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Imran ayat 130 which provides the complete commentary from verse 131 through 136.
(3:135) These are the ones who, when they commit any indecency and wrong against themselves, instantly remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins – for who will forgive sins save Allah? – and who do not wilfully persist in the wrong they did.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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