Islamic Collections

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question: How can we differentiate between ‘Smaller’ and ‘Greater sins’? Answer: Actually the source of judging the Smaller and Greater sins are the verses of the Holy Quran from whom is the following: “If you shun the great sins which you are forbidden, We will do away with you small sins…”[104] Now let us see what is the scale of determining whether a sin is small or big Our scholars say that every sin, be it small or big is a great sin in itself. But the scale of finding whether a sin is small or big is not that it should be inspected with relation to the Divine realm. Because from the aspect of such investigation it is all ‘great’ even though this division of sins is done to compare between themselves. According to which there are two kinds of sins, ‘Greater’ and ‘Smaller.’ Now we should see what is the scale of differentiating the two? There are many techniques to discriminate the two of them and the

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question: Some people say that the greater and smaller sins are comparable (ratio) that is it is possible a sin is greater but in comparison to another sin it would be considered small. For example, theft is a greater sin but in comparison to intentional murder it is considered small. From the aspect of their comparability all the sins are eligible for forgiveness and remission. Because the Holy Quran says: “If you shun the greater sins we shall do away with your small sins.” Thus every sin that is shunned keeping in view a greater one will be forgiven but there is no sin greater than polytheism that if one shuns it one could be forgiven his polytheism. On the basis of this one who has not made a partner to Allah will have all his in forgiven. Answer: In the reply to the previous the reply to this question has also become clear. Because as mentioned above the classification of sins into small and great is

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question: How many greater sins are there? Answer: There are different methods to recognize the greater sin and we indicate towards two of these methods. 1. Every action the doers of which has been promised by Allah punishment and chastisement in the Holy Quran. (Whether, it is clearly stated or indicated or it may be emphatic prohibited again and again). It is a greater sin. 2. Through the correct and authentic traditions that have reached us from the great leaders of Islam and in which the greater sins are clearly enumerated. For example the letter Imam Ali Ibn Moosa ar-Rida (‘a) had written to Mamoon the Abbaside Caliph. In the letter he has mentioned the number of greater sins. And in the same way is the tradition narrated by Amash from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (‘a). There is mention of many greater sins in this tradition. And the same is the condition of other traditions. Now we shall describe a greater p

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question: What is the command in Islam for lying for hidden wisdom? And did the Prophets and great leaders lied in this manner? Answer: Falsehood in itself is a very evil deed. And it is the root of most of our present difficulties and problems. Some of the sayings of the Holy Imams (‘a) that have reached us mention that lying is the key to all sins. But in spite of this in some special circumstances it is possible that if one speaks the truth there would be a great mischief and discord. If he does not state the truth the fire of mischief cools down. For example when there is serious enmity between two and each of them speaks ill of the other in his absence we are also listening and we know that the questions we are being asked, if we give the truthful replies of the same and reveal the ill speaking of that person the fire of mischief and discord will flame up and it is possible that as a result of this th

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question: What is the Islamic view on Artificial Insemination? (Artificial Insemination means the insertion of sperm into the woman’s uterus through special means). Answer: Many ancient examples of artificial insemination/pollination are available with regard to animals and plants. And many plants and animals are grafted to give fruits. But artificial insemination to human beings is absolutely new. And the encouragement for this is some men who are not able to produce children due to some causes but the wives are fertile they opt for artificial insemination to make their wives pregnant. The sperm of the husband or of another man is inserted into the woman’s womb. In this way she becomes pregnant. This matter has been debated by the lawmakers of the western world (England, France, Egypt and other countries.) The House of Commons (England) has decided that a committee of legal experts should be formed so tha

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question: Does Islam permit Contraception? Answer: In Islamic law there is great encouragement for procreation and increase in population. So much so that they Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) says: Marry and procreate. Because on the basis of your huge numbers I am proud over other (Past) Communities. Even on the basis of your aborted children. The aim of this topic is also clear because the power of a community mostly depends upon its numerical strength. Communities having less numbers are mostly weak and powerless. It is correct that a country may be populated. Sometimes it may create problems regarding food and housing but in spite of that this same dense population becomes the cause of its strength and greatness. This is the reason why the most powerful Communities of the world are those who have numerical strength. As for the food shortage it can be solved through scientific agriculture. Thus contraception is

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question: If a person performs such an action as a result of which the illegitimate fetus is aborted, does he have to pay the same Diyat (Penalty) that is payable for legitimate fetus or not? Answer: Whether the fetus is legitimate or illegitimate its abortion is absolutely illegal. And in this matter there is no difference between the two. As far as the matter of abortion of illegal fetus, the parents are not eligible for the Diyat amount (when the two were aware that the intercourse they were having was illegal). And like the inheritance of an heirless person it becomes the part of Baitul Maal (Islamic treasury). But if a legitimate fetus is aborted its Diyat is paid to its heirs. Except one of the heirs (father or mother) had been instrumental in the abortion because in those conditions he is deprived of Diyat just as the killer cannot inherit the killed one.