Islam_in_Focus_text

Sin
One of the major troublesome areas of human existence
is the problem of sin or evil in the world. It is commonly
believed that sin started with Adam and Eve during their life
in the Garden of Eden. That event led to the Fail and has
ever since branded the human raee with guilt, stigma and
bewilderment.
Islam has taken a unique position on the whole issue, a
position which is not shared by any other religion we know.
The Our'an states that Adam and Eve were directed bv God
to reside in the Garden of Eden and enjoy its produce as they
pleased, assured of bountiful supplies and comfprt. But they
were warned not to approach a particular tree so that they
would not run into harm and injustice. Then Satan intrigued
them to temptation and caused them to lose their joyful state.
They were expelled from the Garden and brought down to
earth to live, die, and be taken out again at last for the Final
Judgment, Having realized what they had done, they felt
shame, guilt and remorse. They prayed for God's Mercy and
were forgiven. (Qur'an, 2:35-38; 7:19-25; 20:1 17-123).
This symbolic event is significantly revealing. It tells
that the human being is imperfect and ever wanting even if
he were to live in Paradise. But committing a sin or making
a mistake, as Adam and Eve did, does not necessarily
deaden the human heart, prevent spiritual reform or stop