Approaching the West — Page 110
A pproaching the West—110 circumstance to do what might otherwise be wrongful; then it is no sin. For example, to eat the flesh of swine is forbidden in Isl ā m, but if that becomes the only means of survival in terms of life and death then it is not a sin to eat it. What is the remedy for sin? According to the Holy Qur’ ā n, man is fashioned in the best of forms. Surely, We have created man in the best of creative plans. (95:5) Humans have full potential to remain connected with God and to become one with Him. From birth, the natural relationship between man and God is healthy and well- balanced. Human heart is like a mirror designed to absorb and reflect the light of God. Sin is like a poison, or a dark cloud. By committing an act of sin, or entertaining even a sinful thought, the wholesome spiritual relationship between man and God undergoes a negative change. If not corrected, slowly the heart starts losing its brilliance and becomes proportionately dark. If a sinful state is not effectively cured in a timely manner, spiritual death may become imminent. Metaphorically speaking, the heart becomes lightless. Sin can make a man the worst of the worst –the lowest of the low (95:6). But man is endowed with wonderful powers and natural faculties to rebound back into the light of Ever- Forgiving God Who loves him. The helping factors are many, but of the utmost important are faith and good works (95:7). A person should never lose hope! There is no need to become desperate of God’s mercy! Reformation and redemption may look difficult, but are always possible. Regardless how deep one may get into sins, God has granted ability to each and every one of us to overcome our shortcomings and