As human beings, we tend to commit sins because we are not perfect. Due to these shortcomings, we tend to fall short in performing our religious obligations or duties in our own ways. 

Some may have habitual sins, while others engage in major ones. As a whole, none of us are free from falling into sins. Each day, we say things that we should not say, look at things we should not look at, and do things that we should not do. Such is the nature of humans. 

It is recorded in Surah Al-Baqarah when Allah announced to the angels about the creation of humankind: 

˹Remember˺ when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to place a successive ˹human˺ authority on earth.” They asked ˹Allah˺, “Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?”

(Al-Baqarah 2:30)

The Wisdom & Knowledge of Allah

The angels questioned as to why would Allah create an imperfect species capable of causing harm on earth, disobeying Allah and others. In contrast, the angels are constantly in a state of obedience worshiping Allah day and night. Allah then replied:

Verily, I know what you do not know.

(Al Baqarah 2:30)

This verse highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Allah, who possesses insight beyond the comprehension of the angels. Despite their initial questioning about the potential harm and disobedience that humans may cause, Allah affirms His divine wisdom and authority in creating us. We are not similar to the angels, nor other creations. We are a unique creation of Allah SWT. 

Furthermore, the fact that Allah created us humans, who are prone to mistakes and errors, does not imply that we can continue to commit sins and mistakes. We should not justify our wrongdoings simply because we are inherently fallible. 

Instead, we should strive to continuously seek His forgiveness and maintain hope that Allah will forgive our transgressions. Allah does not favour the sinful; rather, He loves those who seek repentance.  

In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

Had you not committed sins, Allah would have brought into existence a creation who would commit sins. They will do istighfar and Allah will forgive them. 

[Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim]

This hadith emphasizes the boundless mercy and forgiveness of Allah SWT. He encourages us to continually seek His forgiveness and repent, so that He may bestow His mercy upon us. Allah wants us to invoke His beautiful names, such as Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful) and Al-Ghafoor (the Forgiving). 

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. also reiterated this message in his hadith. “Every child of Adam commits sins, and the best of sinners are those who always repent.” (Hadith narrated by Ibn Majah). 

Repentance is not merely seeking forgiveness from Allah or to cleanse our soul. But it is the key for a servant to acquire Allah’s love and pleasure. Therefore, we should not ever feel that we do not deserve the forgiveness of Allah because of our past sins. As the door of repentance is always open for those who seek the forgiveness of Allah. 

At the same time, as we strive to seek the forgiveness of Allah, we should also try to instill in ourselves the value of being forgiving. We must strive to be kind hearted and forgive those who have wronged us. Indeed, such honourable values will help us remain calm and not be easily disturbed, mentally and emotionally. 

We pray that our willingness to forgive others will be the reason for us to be granted with the mercy of Allah. 

This article was contributed by Al-Khair Mosque.

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