Ignorance and Sin Explained
According to a profound understanding reflected in the works of Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi, the concept of sin should be evaluated with complexity. Mistakes made by those who lack knowledge cannot actually be considered disobedience to Allah; for these individuals have merely performed an action that is permissible. What matters is the person’s intention and whether the ruling of the deed applies to them. If a person knows the consequences of their actions and anticipates being punished, it is not expected that they commit that sin; this requires us to consider the limits of responsibility. Humanity should act in accordance with its purpose of creation, listen to Allah’s call, and respond to it.
The Divine Call Reaching and Excusability
Allah’s mercy is a vast expanse that encompasses all of creation. However, in order to benefit from the fruits of this mercy, one must hear and understand the divine call. According to Ibn Arabi, no one can be excused due to the call not reaching them; just as with tribes who were not sent prophets. The prophet’s proclamation should align with the truth as Allah has revealed it, and one must respond to that truth. Those who do not hear the call are considered as if no prophet was sent to them; thus, an excuse arises in their case. This is a manifestation of divine effort, because the realization of the call is beyond the slave’s will.
Response from Knowledge of the Unseen and Divine Mercy
Only Allah’s knowledge of the unseen determines who will respond to the divine call; for this is a destiny outside of the individual’s control. Allah has mercy on His servants by announcing the call to some of them and facilitating their swift response to their Lord’s summons. For those who do not hear the call, the phrase “they did not hear” provides an excuse; this is an indication of Allah’s boundless mercy. If Allah had willed it, He could have announced the call to everyone; but He has chosen, according to His wisdom, to excuse some. This situation is profoundly deep and comprehensive to a degree that human intellect cannot grasp.
The Scope of Mercy and Rejection of Revenge
Allah’s mercy is so vast that it encompasses all of creation, and limiting the boundaries of His mercy exceeds the capacity of human reason. Some people think that Allah’s mercy is only for a specific group; but this is a mistaken understanding. Ibn Arabi rejects the feeling of revenge and emphasizes that Allah created with mercy. As the heir of the prophet, he has spread mercy to all humanity without distinction between believers and non-believers. This represents one of the fundamental principles of Islamic ethics: compassion and tolerance.