Islam Guidance

Verse48

(48) إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاء وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدِ افْتَرَى إِثْمًا عَظِيمًا

48. " Verily Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and forgives what is besides that to whom He Pleases; and whoever associate (aught) with Allah, has indeed devised a great sin. "
Commentary:
More than two hundred times the word ' polytheism ' has been mentioned in the Qur'an where tending towards other than Allah (idolatry, hypocrisy, non-godly beliefs, materialism, and so on) has been criticized. The content of this verse has also been repeated in this very Sura, verse 116; and in fact repetition can be a cause of guidance. However, polytheism will not be forgiven because it is an exodus from the process of right. It is also departing from the line of Allah and joining other than Him.
If, even a pagan leaves out paganism and sincerely repents, Allah will forgive him.

It is cited in Sura Az-Zumar, No.39, verse 53 that surely Allah forgives the faults altogether, therefore do not despair of His Mercy. Then, it is appropriate for everyone to return to Him by repenting and asking forgiveness.
It is narrated from Imam Amirul-Mu'mineen Ali (a.s.) who said that the mentioned verse, to me, is the most (encouraging) beloved one among the verses of the Qur'an.
Since no one knows to whom the wisely grace of Allah will be granted, there will remain no room for pride and boldness in anyone to commit sin. The following factors pave the way of forgiveness:
1) repentance, 2) to do goodness, 3) to avoid the great sins, 4) intercession, and, 5) the Divine pardon (which is pointed out in this verse)
Explanations:
1- Polytheism is the worst form of sins and it is a barrier against the Divine forgiveness.
2- Forgiveness of the faults relates to the Wisely Will of Allah.

• Prev
• Next