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[22:30] ... You shall avoid the abomination of idol worship, and avoid bearing false witness.
Another reminder of how bad idol worship is: we cannot pray for forgiveness for someone committing idol worship. Abraham, beloved friend of God, was “pulled up” for asking for forgiveness for his father. That’s a lesson for us all. It’s one of those sins one has to “fix”. We have to be worshiping God alone before we die. So, if we see ourselves leaning towards idolization of something—whether it’s work or family or money or our own ego, or whatever we’re thinking of most of the day besides God—we have to fix that here and now. The good news is that we can repent, seek God’s forgiveness, and reform and devote worship to God alone.
[2:160] As for those who repent, reform, and proclaim, I redeem them. I am the Redeemer, Most Merciful.
There’s one sin for which we do not see any type of redemption. That is deliberately murdering a believer. Instead, God says to be absolutely sure before we strike in the cause of God.
[4:93] Anyone who kills a believer on purpose, his retribution is Hell, wherein he abides forever, GOD is angry with him, and condemns him, and has prepared for him a terrible retribution. [4:94] O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, “You are not a believer,” seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
Another gross offense is fabricating lies about God.
[4:49] Have you noted those who exalt themselves? Instead, GOD is the One who exalts whomever He wills,
without the least injustice. [4:50] Note how they fabricate lies about GOD; what a gross offense this is! ...
Accusing someone else of one’s sin is also terrible. So, if I steal something and blame my sister for it, it’s a blasphemy and a gross offense (4:112). Much better to accept one’s sin and ask God’s forgiveness (4:110).
[4:110] Anyone who commits evil, or wrongs his soul, then implores GOD for forgiveness, will find GOD Forgiving, Most Merciful. [4:111] Anyone who earns a sin, earns it to the detriment of his own soul. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. [4:112] Anyone who earns a sin, then accuses an innocent person thereof, has committed a blasphemy and a gross offense.
Killing people: this should go without saying but it’s not that long ago that people settled disputes through a duel, for example. And even today, in a civilized country like USA, thousands of people are killed in violent crime.
Murder, Suicide, and Illicit Gains Prohibited
[4:29] O you who believe, do not consume each others’ properties illicitly― only mutually acceptable transactions are permitted. You shall not kill yourselves. GOD is Merciful towards you. [4:30] Anyone who commits these transgressions, maliciously and deliberately, we will condemn him to Hell. This is easy for GOD to do. [4:31] If you refrain from committing the gross sins that are prohibited for you, we will remit your sins, and admit you an honorable admittance.
These verses also talk about suicide and illicit gains from things that are not mutually acceptable. One example is usury (2:275-6), because someone is being forced or taken advantage of. Unfortunately money is a common idol.
[17:31] 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. [17:32] You shall not commit adultery; it is a gross sin, and an evil behavior.
In addition to killing, 17:31-32 also deals with adultery. This is another gross sin. Adultery also is connected with abortion. Data shows that the majority of those who obtain an abortion are unmarried (85% in USA according to a Guttmacher report). The same organization also reported that about 49% of abortions were people below federal poverty level and 75% were either poor / low-income. Not surprisingly, God tells us not to kill the children due to “fear of poverty”.
Three gross offenses, Idol-worship, murder and adultery, are mentioned together in: [25:68] They never implore beside GOD any other god, nor do they kill any soul―for GOD has made life sacred―except in the course of justice. Nor do they commit adultery. Those who commit these offenses will have to pay. [25:69] Retribution is doubled for them on the Day of Resurrection, and they abide therein humiliated. [25:70] Exempted are those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life. GOD transforms their sins into credits. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [25:71] Those who repent and lead a righteous life, GOD redeems them; a complete redemption.
The verses also leave the door open for people sincerely repenting and leading a righteous life.
Intoxicants and gambling are gross sins too.
[2:219] 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.” ...
[5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. [5:91] The devil wants to provoke animosity and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to distract you from remembering GOD, and from observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Will you then refrain?
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