‘Sin’ is not the actual meaning of ‘Dhulm (wrongdoing).

‘Sin’ is not the actual meaning of ‘Dhulm (wrongdoing).’ It is just because a sinner misplaces his faculties and misuses the power given him by Almighty Allah that he is called, metaphorically, ‘Dhalim’ (2) The Qur’an says: “Then did Satan make them slip from that (Garden) and get them out from the state (of felicity) in which they had been. “Then Satan caused them to slip from it, and he dislodged them from what [state] they were in; and We said, ‘Get down, being enemies of one another!

On the earth shall be your abode and sustenance for a time” (2:36). The word used in the verse is ‘Azalla’ which literally means ‘made (someone) slip.’ It is used, metaphorically, for mistakes and sin. But the metaphorical meaning is not the real meaning. Therefore, we may safely translate it as Adam and Eve were sent from a high place to the Earth, as the word in the next sentence (go down) indicates, the word slip is more appropriate in this context.

(3) The Qur’an says: “Then Satan caused them to stumble from it, and he dislodged them from what [state] they were in; and We said, ‘Get down, being enemies of one another! On the earth shall be your abode and sustenance for a time — Then Adam received certain words from his Lord, and He turned to him clemently. Indeed He is the All-clement, the All-merciful” (2:36-37). Here the word used is “taba alaih”(He turned to him clemently). This verb is from (توبة) Tauba’ (repentance).

Thus, the word, as is generally used, suggests some mistakes. But, the literal meaning of Tauba is ‘to return’. Using in a metaphorical sense, it will mean ‘Almighty Allah accepted Adam’s repentance’; but in a literal way, it will mean ‘Almighty Allah turned towards Adam (with His Grace and Mercy).’ In addition, why should not we translate it in this way? After all, actual meaning must have precedence over the metaphorical one.

(4) The arguments about the above verses become clear when we see the following verses in Sura 20th: “We said, ‘O Adam! This is indeed an enemy of yours and your mates. So do not let him expel you from paradise, or you will be miserable – You will neither be hungry in it nor naked — You will neither be thirsty in it nor suffer from [the heat of] the sun” (20:117-119). The word used is ‘Tashqua (you will be miserable). In Muslim books of sermons, it is used for disgrace in the eyes of Allah.

Thus, many people are tempted to connect it with the so-called sin of Adam and his coming into disgrace. Actually, this word means ‘misery’.