Q 3: There is an Ayah in the Noble Qur’an in which Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says (what means), Say: “O ‘Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh: verily, Allâh forgives all sins. (Surah Al-Zumar, 39: 53) Some Mufassirun (exegetes of the Qur’an) said in their interpretation of this Ayah that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) forgives all sins including Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). So which form of Shirk is meant here, is it the major one, or the minor one, or both?

A: Allah’s Saying (which means): Say: "O ‘Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh: verily, Allâh forgives all sins. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Al-Zumar, 39: 53) is a prohibition addressed by Him to His servants against despairing of His Mercy and a sure Promise of Allah that He shall forgive all sins, whether major or minor, and even Shirk for those who repent of them. The Ayah generally applies to every possible sin for those who repent, as Allah says (what means): And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death). (Surah Taha, 20: 82). (Part No. 1; Page No. 371) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.