Based on the provided reference and Islamic teachings, the one sin that Allah will not forgive is associating others with Him in worship (Shirk), if a person dies without having repented from it.
The reference explicitly states: "Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him in worship, but forgives anything else of whoever He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin."
This highlights the unique severity of Shirk compared to all other sins.
Understanding Shirk (Associating Others with Allah)
Shirk refers to the act of attributing divine qualities to anyone or anything other than Allah, or associating partners with Him in worship. It is considered the opposite of Tawhid, the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah, which is the foundational principle of Islam.
- Examples of Shirk:
- Worshipping idols, statues, or natural objects.
- Praying to prophets, saints, or other created beings, believing they can grant requests independently of Allah.
- Seeking help or protection from others in matters that only Allah has power over (e.g., believing someone can grant you a child or protect you from death without Allah's permission).
- Believing that others share in Allah's divine attributes, such as knowing the unseen or having absolute control over the universe.
Why Shirk is Unforgivable (Without Repentance)
Shirk is considered the most grievous sin in Islam because it violates the very essence of monotheism, which is the core message of all prophets. It is an act of injustice against Allah, denying His exclusive right to worship and His absolute sovereignty.
While Allah is Most Forgiving and can forgive all other sins based on His will, mercy, or a person's repentance, the sin of Shirk is uniquely barred from forgiveness if a person dies in that state without having sincerely repented.
The Importance of Repentance
It is crucial to understand that while Shirk is unforgivable if one dies upon it, Allah's mercy is vast. If a person commits Shirk but sincerely repents and abandons this sin during their lifetime, turning back purely to Allah, then Allah can indeed forgive them.
The unforgivable nature of Shirk mentioned in the verse pertains to the state of a person at the time of their death. Dying while actively engaged in or believing in Shirk is what makes it unforgivable in the afterlife.
Shirk vs. Other Sins
Here's a simple comparison based on the reference:
| Sin Type | Forgivability (if unrepented at death) | Forgivability (if repented before death) |
|---|---|---|
| Shirk | Not forgiven | Can be forgiven by Allah's will |
| Any other sin | Can be forgiven by Allah's will | Can be forgiven by Allah's will |
This distinction underscores the absolute necessity of upholding Tawhid and avoiding Shirk.
In summary, the sin that Allah does not forgive, as stated in the reference, is associating partners with Him in worship (Shirk), for those who die without having repented from it.
