Article appeared Friday, July 1st, 2016 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (433)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Many among us are concerned about sins and/or committing of sins often of others and
sometimes our own. So, would it be important to know what exactly constitutes a sin? While we
all may have opinions or/and an answer to the question, to settle on a reliable conclusion we
may consider two more questions. Who would a sin be against and who is best to decide what
a sin is? To answer these two questions, we may again consider the following questions. Who
will ultimately decide on punishments for the sin/s would it be human beings or the Creator?
As, in fact, punishment will ultimately be decided by the Creator, can human beings presume
final authority of what constitutes a sin? Or is the One who has created us the best to decide? If
the Creator is the best to decide, which sins are likely to be most distasteful to Him? Sins
against others or sins directed against Him? And finally, on the Day of Judgment, are we likely
to be questioned about the sins of others?
The paragraph above utilizes a repeated questioning methodology. The iterative questions are
given simply to allow the reader to independently arrive at an answer. The repeated questioning
methodology, however, may seem intimidating. The iterative method of questioning is also used
for the purpose of deeper learning {1} as well as to arrive at root causes {2} of a problem and
here it is used to allow the reader to arrive at an answer independently.
Returning to the definition of sin, since it is the Creator who decides on whether or not to punish,
He will do so obviously on the basis of what He considers to be a sin. Is He likely to ask the
opinion of human beings? As human beings, we need to find what He declares as a sin. He
declares in the Quran,
If you reject (Allah) truly Allah has no need of you; but He likes not ingratitude from His
servants: if you are grateful He is pleased with you. Nobody 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]
In the Verse above, what is the main topic of discussion? Is it gratitude? Is ingratitude then a
sin? Can the sin of ingratitude be borne by another? Gratitude is a reaction to gifts given and
enjoyed personally. Gratitude is personally acknowledging the gifts given by the Creator. Should
we adore the Creator in return for giving us a life, a personality, life support systems, skills,
opportunities to enjoy success, companions, friends, children and above all, an opportunity to
know the qualities of the Creator who has given all the blessings and acknowledge His mercy by
loving and adoring Him in return.
It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew
nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that you
may give thanks (to Allah). [16.78]
What could be a Quality of the Creator? The following Verse from the Holy Quran directs us to
reflect on how birds fly through the air.

16.79 Do they not look at the birds held poised in the midst of (the air and) the
sky? Nothing holds them up but (the design of) Allah. Verily in this are Signs for
those who believe.
At this point, we can ask some questions. How did the air come into being? Where did the wing
design of the birds come from? Does the placement of the wings help the birds in flight? How
did the birds learn how to propel themselves and glide in air? It is a study of wing design {3} that
has led to the design of an airplane. So, what can be said of this Quality of Allah? He has not
only designed and implemented the way birds fly, but He has also given man the intelligence to

study the mechanics of flying and design aircraft for his own use! So, now, man can cover long
distances very easily, do trade and also learn from each other. Not only has He created, He is
sensitive to our needs and has arranged things accordingly. The next Verse covers
conveniences during travel.

16.80 It is Allah who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and
made for you out of the skins of animals (tents for) dwellings which you find so
light (and handy) when you travel and when you stop (in your travels); and out of
their wool and their soft fibers (between wool and hair) and their hair rich stuff
and articles of convenience (to serve you) for a time.
What is the Verse pointing out? Allah has designed the peace and rest we get when we return
home either from work or returning from a journey. During the journey, what conveniences has
the Allah arranged? The tent or Tepee {4, 5} made out of animal skin is for the travelers
convenience. This benefit and other benefits {6} that we get out of animal skin/fur are all
designed by Allah for our benefit. How sensitive is Allah to the needs of humans that He has
conceptualized, designed and implemented all types of conveniences. How should we respond
to Him?

16.81 It is Allah who made out of the things He created some things to give you
shade; of the hills He made some for your shelter; He made you garments to
protect you from heat and coats of mail to protect you from your (mutual)
violence. Thus does He complete his favors on you that you may bow to His will
(in Islam).
Where did the fashion trade come from? Why was iron as a metal created? So, garments and
garments made out of iron are also conveniences designed by Allah! These are all blessings or
favors conceptualized, designed and implemented in a way by the Creator that man can tailor to
his/her use. Even for the smallest of gifts we say thank you! Should we not say thank you for the
gifts and conveniences of life on earth?

16.82 But if they turn away your duty is only to preach the clear message.
What may happen to those who are ungrateful and only keep on asking the Creator for more
and more and approach Him only when they need? Such people know that it is Allah who
provides. So they approach Allah whenever they need anything. When they get what they want,
and enjoy the benefits, however, do not thank Allah and forget about Him till they need Him
next.

16.83 They recognize the favors of Allah; then they deny them; and most of them
are (creatures) ungrateful.
Compare the activities we normally consider as sin with the sin most disliked by Allah.
Ingratitude is a major sin which will not get a reprieve on the Day of Judgment.
And what think those who invent lies against Allah regarding the Day of Judgment?
Verily Allah is full of Bounty to mankind but most of them are ungrateful. [10.60]
------{Notes}:
{1} https://teal.ed.gov/sites/default/files/FactSheets/12_TEAL_Deeper_Learning_Qs_complete_5_1_0.pdf
{2} http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/27641/five-whys-technique.pdf
{3} https://askabiologist.asu.edu/how-do-birds-fly
{4} https://prezi.com/ix06ztx71vu_/why-animal-skin-tents-are-the-best-shelter/
{5} http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_inuit2.html
{6} https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hide_(skin)