The Quran about mistakes

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful

On the way to the goal, everyone faces certain difficulties. Risk assessment in achieving the goal is not accurate and allows the probability of making an error. The consequences of errors affect differently, but one thing is clear, the error leads away from the intended goal.

Evaluating the consequences of errors, we understand that the error leading to death is worth of more close attention.

For the believer in the Day of human Debt, the most important is to avoid the error leading to the condemnation for eternal torment.

In the Quran the word “hata,a” is used for the given topic, meaning: to err, to make a mistake.

Sober mind realizes that it is practically impossible to avoid mistakes, but the Creator’s Prescription teaches us to recognize them.

God does not charge a personality except [with that within] its capacity. It will have what it has gained, and it will bear what it has earned.

“Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred.

Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear.

Pardon us! Forgive us! And have mercy upon us! You are our patron! So give us victory over the closed people!” (2:286)

 

Considering the history, we find enough information about the mistakes made by previous nations, the most important of which was the denial of the Lord’s signs.

Because of their mistakes they were drowned and put into the fire, and they found not for themselves besides God [any] protectors! (71:25)

 

Interpersonal relations even among close relatives can lead to serious consequences. Ordinary envy sometimes gives rise to malicious acts, an example of which is the story of Joseph’s brothers. However, the Creator’s providence led to the fact that Joseph’s brothers fully realized their unrighteous actions.

They said, “By God, certainly has God preferred you over us, and indeed, we have been erring!” (12:91)

They said, “O our father, ask for us forgiveness of our mistakes; indeed, we have been erring!” (12:97)

 

God makes us realize the mistakes not only by the given unfolding events. God by his signs gives a chance for thinking people to rethink their worldview and correct themselves.

Indeed, we have believed our Lord that He may forgive us our mistakes and what you compelled us [to do] of magic. And God is better and more enduring!” (20:73)

Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes because we were the first of the believers!” (16:51)

 

Not using the given chance, the “blind” people will fully know the price of the error committed.

… Indeed, pharaoh and Haman and their soldiers committed mistake. (28:8)

And there came pharaoh and those before him, to the ones erroneously slandering. (69:9)

 

The history of the children of Israel is most often reported in the Quran. It is full of different situations, one of which is also related to the chance to correct oneself and receive in return earthly goods.

We said, “Enter this city and eat from it wherever you will in abundance, and enter the gate bowing humbly and say, ‘Relieve us of our burdens.’ We will [then] forgive your mistakes for you, and We will increase the doers of good!” (2:58)

When it was said to them, “Dwell in this city and eat from it wherever you will and say, ‘Relieve us of our burdens,’ and enter the gate bowing humbly; We will [then] forgive you your mistakes. We will increase the doers of good.” (7:161)

 

Mistakes can occur in different situations, and the responsibility for them comes in different ways. For example, unintentional murder entails economic punishment.

And never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake – then the freeing of a deprived believer and a ransom to his owner, unless he counts it as charity. But if the deceased was from a people at war with you and he was a believer – then the freeing of a deprived believer. If he was from a people with whom you have a covenant – then the freeing of a deprived believer and a ransom to his owner. And whoever does not find a ransom – must fast for two months consecutively, as repentance before God. And God is ever Knowing and Wise! (4:92)

 

Intentional homicide also relates to the category of mistakes, but leading to very serious consequences.

And do not kill your children for fear of hardship! We provide for them and for you! Indeed, their killing is ever a great mistake! (17:31)

 

Faith in the Day of Debt gives knowledge of the real price for our actions. The inevitability of the inquiry and the inevitability of responsibility are the deterrent factors from the committing of irreparable mistakes that lead only to eternal torment:

Yes, whoever earns evil and his mistake has encompassed him – those are the companions of the fire; they will abide therein. (2:81)

Nor any food except from the discharge of wounds; None will eat it except the committers of mistakes. (69:36-37)

 

Another thing is when a person is guided by selfish feelings. Such a person does not believe in responsibility after death, but to protect himself from responsibility in this world, he is ready to blame innocent for his own sins.

But whoever earns a mistake or a sin and then blames it on an innocent [person] has taken upon himself a slander and manifest sin. (4:112)

Playing on these feelings, the “priests” try to “recruit” irresponsible people. Unthinking, subject to “zombification” people easily come across with the promises of “wise men”, although God has unequivocally reported – they are liars.

And those who closed themselves say to those who believe, “Follow our way, and we will carry your mistakes.” But they will not carry anything of their mistakes. Indeed, they are liars. (29:12)

 

As can be seen from the above excerpts, mistakes are different. The most important difference between them is intention.

Call them by their fathers! It is in balance in the sight of God. But if you do not know their fathers – then they are your brothers in duty and your intimates. And there is no offense upon you for that in which you have erred but what your hearts intended. And ever is God Forgiving and Merciful! (33:5)

 

What “your hearts intended” is directly related to the spiritual component. However, the spiritual sphere proceeds from two sources: from the Creator and from people. Spiritual “food” of people cannot guarantee safety from “poisoning”. The divine “food” is forever preserved from spoiling. Therefore, the only guarantee of a healthy, right intention is the intention to be guided and act accordingly with the Prescription of God – the Quran.