Are Human Beings Sinful At Birth?
The concept of human nature at birth differs significantly between Christianity and Islam, especially regarding the idea of being born sinful.
Doctrine of Original Sin
In most Christian traditions, particularly in Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, human beings are considered to be born with original sin. That sin is the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) which causes all of Adam’s descendants to inherit a sinful nature.
Original Sin implies that all humans are separated from God at birth and need salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Baptism is often viewed as a sacrament that cleanses a person of original sin and allows them to bond with God. While the exact nature of original sin and its consequences vary between denominations, it generally teaches that humans are born with an inherent inclination toward sin.
Fitrah (Innate Purity)
In Islam, everything in the universe, including animals, plants, and the natural world, exists in a state of submission to God’s will, which is also a natural inherent state called “Fitrah.” Human beings are born in an innate state of purity and innocence toward goodness and worship of God due to their Fitrah. As it is stated in the Qur’an, everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies God, even if humans do not perceive it (Qur’an 17:44). This reflects that all creation is in harmony with its intended purpose.
There is no concept of original sin in Islam. Each person is born free from sin and is responsible for their actions once they reach the age of moral responsibility.
Allah decrees that nobody bears another person’s burden in the Quran:
“No burden-bearer can bear another one’s burden. If someone weighed down calls for help to bear his load, none of it will be borne for him, even by his closest relative.” (al-Fatir 35:18)
“That no burden-bearer can bear another one’s burden.” (an-Najm 53:38)
- The story of Adam and Eve is also present in Islam (surah 2:35-39), but unlike in Christianity, their disobedience is not seen as a sin that taints all of humanity. Instead, they are forgiven by Allah after repenting, and their mistake does not pass on to their descendants.
- Tawbah (repentance) is highly emphasized in Islam, and anyone who sincerely repents and corrects their behavior can be forgiven for their sins by Allah, regardless of their past actions.
Conclusion
In Christianity, the sins of Adam and Eve affect all of humanity, making salvation necessary for everyone. In Islam, regeneration comes through repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah directly, without the need for an intermediary or inherited sin. Thus, the Christian view focuses on the need for salvation due to an inherent sinful nature. In contrast, the Islamic view emphasizes personal accountability and the potential for each individual to live a righteous life from birth, with no original sin to overcome.
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