Committing A Sin Out Of Ignorance

QUESTION:

Are we excused for sins which we commit out of ignorance? I’ve heard that the excuse of ignorance (in sin and Shirk) only applies to those who’ve studied the Deen extensively. Is that true? Please answer in detail.

ANSWER:

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam mentioned:

إنَّ اللهَ تعالى تجاوز لي عن أمتي الخطأَ و النسيانَ و ما استُكرِهوا عليه

(الجامع الصغير # 1699)

“Allah Ta’ala has forgiven my nation for mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they were forced to do.”

From the above Hadith, it is understood that a wrong committed by mistake or forgetfulness, will not be taken to task by Allah Ta’ala Insha’Allah. However, there is no mention made of a wrong committed out of ignorance being overlooked.  As such, a person who committed a wrong out of ignorance will be taken to task.

In terms of government law, it is understood very clearly that ignorance of the law is no fault of the court. In a similar manner, being ignorant of a matter of Deen is not the culpability of Deen.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam also mentioned:

طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم (المعجم الأوسط # 5246)

“The seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.”

Therefore, it is necessary upon every Muslim to seek that amount of knowledge that one is able to decipher between Halaal and Haraam, and know what is permissible and impermissible in Shari’ah. This is the basic knowledge every Muslim must possess, and being ignorant of it will be the responsibility of the individual, and he will be taken to task by Allah Ta’ala accordingly if He so wishes.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 21 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1447 / 14 October 2025

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb