1. DEAR ABE: If someone taught somebody else a wrong path, like a sin that he used to perform and then his friend repeated that sin, what can he do to ask forgiveness from Allah?  How can he be forgiven for the sins that others may commit based on what he taught them?  –KAAMIL, NIGERIA

DEAR KAAMIL: In the Quran, God mentions that those who lead others to sin will pay for their own sin and no one else’s [1].  However, if someone actively helps or leads others into sin, then that person shares responsibility [2].  However, the punishment in the hereafter is reserved for those who do not repent.  The good news is that God forgives all sins for those who sincerely repent well before death approaches them [3].  Sins can even be transformed into credits for those who repent, believe and lead a righteous life [4].  So, this person should pray to God for forgiveness, and live their repentance in their actions, thoughts, and words to show their sincerity.

Relevant Quran Verses: [1] 6:160, 10:27, 40:40;  [2] 14:40;  [3] 2:60, 4:17-18, 11:90;  [4]  25:70-71.

2. DEAR ABE: I'm reading the Quran for the third time and each time I discover something new.  I noticed that in several suras, intercession is forbidden except for those permitted by God.  What kind of intercession would God permit?  I'm confused because I thought God did not allow any kind of intercession.  Please explain. God bless? –JOAN, CALIFORNIA

DEAR JOAN:The type of intercession God will permit will be "those who conform to the laws of the Most Gracious" and "and whose utterances conform to His will” [1]. There is no intercession unless it conforms to God's will, which is the same as saying there will be no intercession.  A person who attempts to “intercede” has no actual effect on the situation.  There are many examples of messengers of God who were unable to intercede for those that were close to them [2].  God also states in the Quran, that on the day of judgment, “no intercession will be accepted”, and that “all intercession belongs to God” [3]. 

3. DEAR ABE: Assalam walaikum. The symbolic stoning of satan is one of the ritual performed during Haj but is not mentioned in the Quran.  What is your opinion on this in light of the Quran? –FADI, MALAYSIA

DEAR FADI: The Quran is fully detailed for religious law [1], while the details of religious duties were given to Abraham [2]. Thus the ritual you mention is a ritual we follow because it came to us since the time of Abraham.  For reasons that only God knows, it was not necessary to mention this ritual specifically and it does not violate any other laws in the Quran. There are many examples where God specifically corrected or clarified rituals and customs.  For example, in the Quran, God forbids the hunting of game during Hajj and mentions that Hajj should take place over 4 consecutive months [3].  God knew that as Islam spreads the number of people performing Hajj will grow immensely and these practices ensure that it is sustainable for a large number of people.

Relevant Quran Verse: [1] 5:48, 6:114-115;  [2] 2:127-130, 4:125, 22:78;  [3] 2:196-199.

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