March 2008: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

GROSS SINS AND TRANSGRESSIONS

We have lots of verses telling us of the traits of submitters, the things we are supposed to do in order to make it back to God. But the Quran also has verses that tell us what NOT to do, the things to avoid, the things that Satan tries to trick us into doing repeatedly. It might be a good idea to just look at those things that God considers a “gross offense” so that we can avoid them.

First and foremost, we know that idolatry is a gross sin, as Luqmaan informs his son:

Recall that Luqmaan said to his son, as he enlightened him, “O my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross injustice.” [31:13]

GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense. [4:48]

Placing anyone beside God is a terrible blasphemy.

They said, “The Most Gracious has begotten a son”! You have uttered a gross blasphemy.

The heavens are about to shatter, the earth is about to tear asunder, and the mountains are about to crumble. Because they claim that the Most Gracious has begotten a son. It is not befitting the Most Gracious that He should beget a son. Every single one in the heavens and the earth is a servant of the Most Gracious. [19:88-93]

We are told that gambling, drinking and committing adultery are gross offenses in the sight of God.

They ask you about intoxicants and gambling: say, “In them there is a gross sin, and some benefits for the people. But their sinfulness far outweighs their benefit.” [2:219]

You shall not commit adultery; it is a gross sin, and an evil behavior. [17:32]

Murder

Murder is certainly considered a gross sin, including abortion.

You shall not kill your children due to fear of poverty. We provide for them, as well as for you. Killing them is a gross offense. [17:31]

Say, “Come let me tell you what your Lord has really prohibited for you: You shall not set up idols besides Him. You shall honor your parents. You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty—we provide for you and for them. You shall not commit gross sins, obvious or hidden. You shall not kill - GOD has made life sacred—except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand.”  [6:151]

There are also some things that in today’s society are commonplace, but that God tells us are horrible offenses. Therefore, we must take care to avoid them.

Anyone who earns a sin, then accuses an innocent person thereof, has committed a blasphemy and a gross offense. [4:112]

Have you noted those who exalt themselves? Instead, GOD is the One who exalts whomever He wills, without the least injustice. Note how they fabricate lies about GOD; what a gross offense this is! [4:49-50]

Those who conceal our revelations and guidance, after proclaiming them for the people in the scripture, are condemned by GOD; they are condemned by all the condemners. [2:159]

Do not marry the women who were previously married to your fathers - existing marriages are exempted and

shall not be broken - for it is a gross offense, and an abominable act. [4:22]

…. You are not to hurt the messenger of GOD. You shall not marry his wives after him, for this would be a gross offense in the sight of GOD. [33:53]

Those who persecute the believing men and the believing women, who did not do anything wrong, have committed not only a falsehood, but also a gross sin. [33:58]  

You fabricated it with your own tongues, and the rest of you repeated it with your mouths without proof. You thought it was simple, when it was, according to GOD, gross. [24:15]  

Surely, those who falsely accuse married women who are pious believers have incurred condemnation in this life and in the Hereafter; they have incurred a horrendous retribution. [24:23]

The blessing from God is that He makes it very clear what we should and should not do. It’s never ambiguous. And despite how clear it is, He knows we’re going to slip and commit sins. If we can be like Jonah and recognize our mistakes and repent to God, we will find God forgiving.

And Zan-Noon (Jonah, “the one with an `N’ in his name”), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish’s belly): “There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin.” [21:87]

If you refrain from committing the gross sins that are prohibited for you, we will remit your sins, and admit you an honorable admittance. [4:31]

Lydia