ٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓئِرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٰحِشَ إِلَّا ٱللَّمَمَۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَٰسِعُ ٱلۡمَغۡفِرَةِۚ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِكُمۡ إِذۡ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَإِذۡ أَنتُمۡ أَجِنَّةٞ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَٰتِكُمۡۖ فَلَا تُزَكُّوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡۖ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰٓ
32. Those who keep away from major (38) sins and indecencies (39), except that they approached sins and kept themselves aloof (40). Surely your Lord is liberal in forgiving. Knows (41) you He well. He created you from the dust and when you were fetuses in the wombs of your mothers. Therefore, do not justify (42) your purity. He knows well who are the pious (43).
53:32 Surah An-najm
38. Major Sins and Forgiveness: In Islamic jurisprudence, major sins (kab’ira) are those for which specific punishments have been prescribed by Shariah, either in this world or in the Hereafter. Continuously committing minor sins can elevate them to the status of major sins. The verse teaches us that if a person avoids major sins, Allah Almighty will forgive their minor transgressions. This highlights Allah’s vast forgiveness and mercy.
39. Understanding Shameful Sin: Not all sins are equal. While every sinful act is wrong, some are particularly shameful (fatwahs). These are deeds that the human intellect recognizes as evil, causing shame and remorse. Examples include theft, adultery, and other morally reprehensible actions. Some scholars define shameful acts as those for which Islamic law has set specific limits 1.
40. The Lofty Status of Fear: The fear of Allah (taqwa) holds immense significance. The verse from Surah Al-Waqi’ah emphasizes that those who fear standing before their Lord will be rewarded with two Paradises. This fear is not one of terror but of reverence and awe, leading to righteous actions.
41. Arrogance and Good Deeds: This verse addresses those who boast about their good deeds, such as prayers (Salah) and fasting. Arrogance undermines sincerity. We are reminded that our ultimate destination—Heaven or Hell—is known only to Allah. So, why trumpet our virtues? Humility is key.
42. Uncertainty of Our End: The verse questions our certainty about our ultimate fate. We don’t know where our names lie—among the inhabitants of Hell or Paradise. Thus, self-praise is unwarranted. Instead, we should focus on our deeds and seek Allah’s mercy 1.
43. True Taste of Purity: Acknowledging our flaws is essential. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) exemplified this. He considered himself a sinner, yet Allah recognized him as pious. True purity lies in recognizing our imperfections and seeking forgiveness.
A similar surah can be found in Surah Name: An-Nisa Surah Number: 4 Ayat Number: 31
If you abstain from major sins, which are forbidden for you, We will remove from you your lesser sins, and make you enter a place of honor
May we all strive for humility, seek forgiveness, and attain Allah’s mercy.
