Sittings in Ramadhan with Shaikh ibn Utheimeen (Day 20)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Twenty:
Reasons for the Real Victory
Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen

My Brothers: Allah has helped the believers in many situations, in Badr, al-Ahzab, al-Fath, Hunayn, and others. He helped them as a fulfillment of his pledge, “And it is incumbent upon Us to help the believers.” And He helped them because they stood for the religion, which is superior to all the religions, so whoever sticks to this deen then he is superior over all other nations.

“He it is who has sent forth His Apostle with the [task of spreading] guidance and the religion of truth, to the end that He may cause it to prevail over all [false] religion however hateful this may be to those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God.”

Allah helped them because they prepared themselves both physically and spiritually. So they stood firm when they confronted the enemy, following this guidance and enjoying his support, “Be not, then, faint of heart, and grieve not: for you are bound to rise high if you are [truly] believers. If misfortune touches you, [know that] similar misfortune has touched [other] people as well; for it is by turns that We apportion unto men such days [of fortune and misfortune]: and [this] to the end that God might mark out those who have attained to faith, and choose from among you such as [with their lives] bear witness to the truth – since God does not love evildoers.”

So they went forward steadfastly, making every kind of preparation, as Allah says, “And if thou couldst but see [how it will be] when He causes those who are bent on denying the truth to die: the angels will strike their faces: and their backs, and [will say]: ‘Taste suffering through fire’.”

Both the inward power and the outward military power, and Allah helped them because they helped his religion, “And Allah will help those who help him.” All power and might that opposes him will become weak and humiliated, as He says, “To Allah belongs the end of the affairs.”

Sittings in Ramadhan with Shaikh ibn Utheimeen (Day 19)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Nineteen:
From the Opening of Makkah
Sheikh Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen

My brothers: Just like the Battle of Badr took place in this month, so did the opening of Makkah. Which took place in the 8th year of Hijrah. Allah got rid of shirk by giving the Muslims victory in the city, and made it an Islamic city.

These are the events that led to the opening of Makkah:

After the Treaty of Hudabiyah was completed, whoever wanted to enter in agreement with the Prophet (saw) could, and whoever wanted to enter in agreement with Quraysh could. So Khuza’a entered in agreement with the Prophet (saw), and Banu Bakr entered in agreement with Quraysh. These two tribes had conflict between each other during the time of ignorance. Banu Bakr attacked Khuza’a, and Quraysh was secretly providing them weapons and men. The Prophet (saw) was told about this, and Quraysh found out and realized that this broke the treaty. They sent Abu Sufyan to try to convince the Prophet (saw) to keep the treaty but the Prophet (saw) would not even respond to him, he then tried speaking to Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, they did not respond either, he then spoke to ‘Ali who at first didn’t speak to him but finally said, “I do not think that anything can help you now. You are the chief of Banu Kinana, so get up and try to restore peace”.

He asked, “Do you think it would do any good?”

“By God, I do not,” replied Ali, “but there is nothing else you can do.”

He then returned to Makkah and told Quraysh what had happned and how he made peace between the people, they asked him if Muhammad (saw) approved of him to make peace, and he replied “no“, so they said, “Woe to you, they made a fool of you.”

The Prophet (saw) ordered his companions to prepare for war, and he made dua for Allah to take away the information and seeing from Quraysh so that they will not know the Muslims are coming until they reach Makkah.

On the way to Makkah, they came across Al-Abbas who had his family with him, and he was making Hijrah as a muslim to Madinah. They also came across Abu Sufyan ibn alHarith as well as Abdullah Bin Abu Umayah who was one of the staunchest enemies of Islam, and they both became Muslim.

Sittings in Ramadhan with Shaikh ibn Utheimeen (Day 18)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Eighteen:
From the Battle of Badr
Sheikh Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen

My brothers: Indeed in this blessed month, Allah gave the Muslims victory in the battle of Badr. This day is called the Day of Furqan (criterion) because Allah (swt) separated on this day between the Truth and Falsehood, with the victory of his Messenger and the believers. This was in Ramadhan in the second year Hijri. The reason for this battle was because the Prophet (saw) heard that Abu Sufyan was heading from Sham to Makkah with a caravan belonging to Quraysh. So he told his companions to leave so that they may take the caravan.

This is because Quraysh fought the Messenger (saw) and his companions and they did not have a treaty between them, and they forced them from their land and their wealth, and they stood against their dawah of truth. So the Muslims had the right to take the caravan.

So the Prophet (saw) left with 300 and some companions, ten of them on horses, 70 of them on camels, 70 of them were from the Muhajereen, and the rest were from the Ansar. They were intending to take the caravan, and they weren’t expecting to fight a battle. This is so that Allah could carry out an order that was going to happen, and to do what he wills. Abu Sufyan found out that the Muslims were going to attach so he sent someone to Quraysh to prepare to defend the caravan. Abu Sufyan took a different route and went towards the sea, so he was safe.

As for Qurayash, when the message reached them they prepared for war with 1000 men, 100 horses, and 700 camels, and singers singing about the destruction of the Muslims, “insolently and to be seen of men, and to hinder (men) from the path of Allah. For Allah compasseth round about all that they do.”

When Abu Sufyan learned about Quraysh leaving he told them that he was safe and that he didn’t need them. Upon hearing this message Abu Jahl said, “By Allah, we will not turn back until we get to Badr. There we will stay for three days, slaughter animals, have a feast, drink wine and have the girls sing for us. All of Arabia shall hear of our march, our strength and shall afterwards respect us.”

Sittings in Ramadhan with Shaikh ibn Utheimeen (Day 17)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Seventeen:
From the People of Zakah
Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen

Allah (swt) says, “The offerings given for the sake of God are [meant] only for the poor and the needy, and those who are in charge thereof, and those whose hearts are to be won over, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage, and [for] those who are over burdened with debts, and [for every struggle] in God’s cause, and [for] the wayfarer: [this is] an ordinance from God – and God is all-knowing, wise.”

From this noble verse, Allah shows us the rightful receivers of the zakah, and this from Allah’s justice and mercy. Allah (swt) divides them into 8 categories and shows us the obligation of the zakah. It is not permissible to give zakah to other then these, because Allah (swt) knows what is better for His creation than we do. “But for people who have inner certainty, who could be a better law-giver than God?”

Categories 1-2: The poor and the needy.

And they are the ones who cannot find a way to support themselves, and families. They do not have a steady income, a successful business, and it is on us to help them.

The scholars say, “So they should be given enough money to sustain them and their families for one year until the next year is reached.”

Also the person who doesn’t make enough money to support himself and family is given the extra amount needed to be able to support them.

As for the person who is able to support themselves, then they are not to be given money. Even if they ask for it, they should be advised not to ask for that which is not permissible to be given to them.

Sittings in Ramadhan with Shaikh ibn Utheimeen (Day 16)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Sixteen:
From Zakah
Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen

My brothers: Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an, “And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practice regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.”

As well as, “and be constant in prayer, and spend in charity, and [thus] lend unto God a goodly loan: for whatever good deed you may offer up in your own behalf, you shall truly find it with God – yea, better, and richer in reward.”

As well as, “And [remember:] whatever you may give out in usury so that it might increase through [other] people’s possessions will bring [you] no increase in the sight of God, whereas all that you give out in charity, seeking God’s countenance, [will be blessed by Him:] for it is they, they [who thus seek His countenance] that shall have their recompense multiplied!”

The verses that describe the zakah as being an obligation are many. As for the ahadeeth, there is in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Abdullah bin Umar (ra) that the Prophet (saw) said, “Islam was established on five, tawhid, establishing prayer, giving the zakah, fasting Ramadhan, and Hajj…”

So giving zakah is one of the pillars of Islam. Whoever denies this obligation while they are aware, then they have disbelieved and left the fold of Islam. Whoever is greedy in performing this, or is deficient in it, then they are from the wrongdoers who are heedless to being punished. Zakah is obligatory on four things.

First: That which emerges from the ground like crops.

This is from the saying of Allah (swt), “O you who have attained to faith! Spend on others out of the good things which you may have acquired, and out of that which We bring forth for you from the earth.”

Sittings In Ramadhan With Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (Day 15)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Fifteen:
The Conditions that will not make the Invalidators Invalidate the Fast
Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Othaymeen

My Brothers: The invalidators that we talked about in the fourteenth majlis with the exception of menstruation, do not invalidate the fast under three conditions.

The first condition: If a person is ignorant, then their fast is not invalid.

This is because the verse, “Our Lord do not hold us responsible if we forget or fall into error.” Allah said pertaining to this verse, “I have done so.” (Muslim) As well as the verse, “But there is no blame on you if you make a mistake therein: (what counts is) the intention of your hearts: and Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.”

Regardless if the person is ignorant to the Shari’ah thinking that this act does not invalidate the fast. Or if they are ignorant of the situation or the time.

For example if someone thinks that Fajr hasn’t arrived yet and they continue to eat, or if they think the sun has set and they begin to eat. All of these situations do not invalidate the fast. As is related in the Saheehayn ‘Adi ibn Hatim (ra) reported that when this verse was revealed, “Until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread.” Adi ibn Hatim said, “Messenger of Allah (saw), verily I keep underneath my pillow two strings, one white and the other black, by which I distinguish night from dawn.” Upon this the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “Your pillow seems to be very wide! For the word khait (string, thread) implies the blackness of the night and the whiteness of the dawn!” ‘

Adi did eat after the time of Fajr came, and the Prophet (saw) did not order him to make up the fast.

Sittings In Ramadhan With Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (Day 14)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Fourteen:
From the invalidators of the Fast
Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Othaymeen

My brothers: Allaah (SWT) says, “so now associate with them, and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears.” Allaah tells us in these noble verses the ways to invalidate the fast as well as the Prophet (saw) in the Sunnah.

There are seven ways to invalidate the fast.

The First: Having relations with your wife

And this is from the biggest and greatest sins, the person’s fast is invalid whether it be obligatory fast or voluntary. If they are in the day of Ramadhan then they have to free a believing slave, if they do not have one, they have to fast two consecutive months, which they cannot miss a day except with a valid excuse. Which would be the days of Eid, or sickness, or traveling. If they miss a day without an excuse, even if it is just one day, they have to restart the two months all over again. This is because they have to be two consecutive months. If they are not able to fast for two months, then they must feed sixty poor people, to every person half a kilo.

It is narrated in Saheeh Muslim that a person had relations with his wife during Ramadhan, so he asked the Prophet (saw) about it and the Prophet asked, “Do you have a slave?” he said, “No.” He asked, “Are you able to fast two months?” He replied “No.” So he (saw) said, “So feed sixty poor people.”

The Second: The release of sperm from kissing, touching, etc.

This is from the desires that the fasting person should avoid. As is stated in the Hadeeth Qudsi, “He leaves his food, drink, and desires for My sake.” (Bukhari)

Sittings In Ramadhaan With Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen (Day 13)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Thirteen:
From The Etiquettes Of Reciting The Qur’an
Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Bin ‘Uthaymeen

My brothers: Indeed this Qur’an that is between your hands, that you read, recite, and write, is the words of Allah. It was given to Jibreel one of the noble angels, who revealed to the heart of Muhammad (SAW) so that he may be a warner with a clear Arab tongue. Allah has described the Qur’an with many great and noble descriptions so that we may hold it in high status and respect it.

(The sheikh then mentions many verses which I will not translate)

So all of these noble verses that were and were not mentioned all show how noble the Qur’an is and our obligation to hold it in high status, and to show good manners when reciting it and to keep from making fun or play with it.

Sincerity

From the etiquettes are to make the intention sincerely to Allah (SWT). Because reciting the Qur’an is from the great acts of worship as Allah says, “Call ye, then, upon Allah with sincere devotion to Him.” and “They were not ordered except to worship Allah sincerely with pure monotheism.”

Having Khushoo’

Also, they should read the Qur’an with their mind present, and contemplating what they are reading as well as understanding it. And they should have khushoo’ in their heart, and they should feel that Allah is addressing them directly, because the Qur’an is the words of Allah (SWT).

Preferably Having Wudhoo’

From the etiquettes is that they should recite while they are pure. Because it is respect to the words of Allah (SWT). A person who is impure should purify themselves before they recite the Qur’an. The impure person can make athkar or duas.

Reciting In A Relaxed Place

The Qur’an should not be recited in a place where people are not going to be quiet and listen. Nor should it be recited in a place designed for answering the call of nature. When a person has the desire to recite the Qur’an they should start by seeking refuge from the Shaytaan. As Allah says, “When thou dost read the Qur’an, seek Allah’s protection from Satan the rejected one.” As for reciting the Basmala, this should only be done at the beginning of a surah. With the exception of surata Taubah, which does not have a basmala because the Sahaba differed on whether it was the continuation of surah Al-Anfal so they left out the basmala. If the surah should have had it, then it would be there as Allah says, “We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).”

Reciting Melodiously

The person reciting should also make their voice nice. In the Saheehayn it is narrated by Jabeer bin Mut’am, “I heard the Prophet (SAW) recite surah attur in Maghrib prayer, and I have never heard a better voice or recitation than that of the Prophet (SAW).” If there are some people around the recitor that might get harmed, like a person sleeping or a person praying, then the recitor should use a low voice.

The person should also recite in a measured tone, as Allah (SWT) says, “and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.” When a person recites slow that will help them to ponder over what they are reciting. Umm Salama (RA) was asked about the recitation of the Prophet and she said he used to recite it ayah by ayah.

Sajda Tilaawah

They should also make sujood when they come to that point in the surah. Regardless where they are or what time it is, they make takbeer, make sajdah, say subhana Rabe Al ‘Ala, make dua, then get up without takbeer or salaam.

These are some of the etiquettes of reciting the Qur’an, so be sure to take heed of them and try to practice them, and seek the rewards from your Lord.

Sittings In Ramadhaan With Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen (Day 12)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Twelve
From the Second Type of Qur’an Recitation
Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Bin ‘Uthaymeen

My brothers: We spoke in the fifth majlis about one of the types of recitation of Qur’an. We will talk about the second type which is reciting with belief and following what it orders and staying away from what it prohibits.

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an, “(Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.” To this extent is what the pious predecessors used to learn Qur’an, and believe in it, and follow its rulings. Abu Abdurrahman Asulme (RA) said, “The people that used to recite the Qur’an such as Uthman bin Affan, Abdullah bin Masood, and others, told us that when they learned from the Messenger (SAW) ten verses they would not keep learning unless they knew all of the knowledge and action associated with the ten verses. They said, “We would learn the Qur’an and knowledge and the actions all together.””

This is the type of recitation which will bring either happiness or misery. Allah (SWT) says, “and he who follows My guidance will not go astray, and neither will he be unhappy. But as for him who shall turn away from remembering Me – his shall be a life of narrow scope and on the Day of Resurrection We shall raise him up blind. [And so, on Resurrection Day, the sinner] will ask: “O my Sustainer! Why hast Thou raised me up blind, whereas [on earth] I was endowed with sight? [God] will reply: “Thus it is: there came unto thee Our messages, but thou wert oblivious of them; and thus shalt thou be today consigned to oblivion!” For, thus shall We recompense him who wastes his own self and does not believe in his Sustainer’s messages: and, indeed, the suffering [of such sinners] in the life to come shall be most severe and most enduring.”

Allah shows us in these noble verses the reward for following its guidance that was revealed to the Messengers, and shows the punishment of those who turn away. As for those who follow the guidance they will not be lead astray nor will they be unhappy. They will have happiness in this life as well as the next. As for the ones who turn away and are arrogant on acting on the Qur’an then it is misery and misguidance in this world and the next, they will have a life of narrow scope and depression with an incorrect Aqeedah.

And no righteous actions in this live “Those are like cattle, nay they are more misguided, they are the heedless.” They will be heavily constricted and confined in the grave. They will be gathered on the Day of Judgment blind, “On the Day of Judgment We shall gather, them together, prone on their faces, blind, dumb, and deaf: their abode will be Hell: every time it shows abatement, We shall increase from them the fierceness of the Fire.” So when they closed their eyes in this world to the truth, and didn’t listen to the truth, nor did they speak the truth, “They say: “Our hearts are under veils, (concealed) from that to which thou dost invite us, and in our ears in a deafness, and between us and thee is a screen: so do thou (what thou wilt); for us, we shall do (what we will!)” Allah gives them in the afterlife similar to what they were on in this life and will neglect them like they neglected the religion. “”O my Sustainer! Why hast Thou raised me up blind, whereas [on earth] I was endowed with sight?” “A fitting recompense (for them)” “but if any does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds.”

The Prophet (SAW) asked, “Did anyone of you see a dream?” So dreams would be narrated to him by those whom Allah wished to tell. One morning the Prophet said, “Last night two persons came to me (in a dream) and woke me up and said to me, ‘Proceed!’ I set out with them and we came across a man Lying down, and behold, another man was standing over his head, holding a big rock. Behold, he was throwing the rock at the man’s head, injuring it. The rock rolled away and the thrower followed it and took it back. By the time he reached the man, his head returned to the normal state. The thrower then did the same as he had done before. I said to my two companions, ‘Subhan Allah! Who are these two persons…As for the first man you came upon whose head was being injured with the rock, he is the symbol of the one who studies the Quran and then neither recites it nor acts on its orders, and sleeps, neglecting the enjoined prayers.”

On Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said in the Hajjatul Wad’ah, “O people! Satan has given up hope that he will ever be worshipped in this land of yours, so he is content that he is obeyed in whatever remains other than that, especially the evil acts that you belittle. Therefore, beware of his danger to your religion. I have left with you two things, and if you hold to them, you will never fall into misguidance, for they are plain and clear: the book of Allah (the Qur’an) and the sunnah of his prophet.” (Graded Saheeh by alhakim)

In Saheeh Muslim the Prophet (SAW) said, “The Qur’an is a proof for or against you.”

Slaves of Allah, this is the Qur’an which if it were revealed on a mountain it would humble itself and cleave asunder from the fear of Allah. How many verse are recited on us and our hearts are like stones or harder? And how many Ramadhans will pass by and our situation is like those who are in misery. Where are we amongst those who when they hear the call of Allah they answer it, and if the verses of Allah are recited on us or hearts are filled with fear? Those are the people whom Allah is pleased with and they know the truth and rightfully deserve their reward.

Ibn Mas’ood (RA) said, “It is a must for the recitor of the Qur’an to recite at night when the people are sleeping, and during the day when they are eating, and with weeping when the people are laughing, with piety when they are heedless, and with sadness when the people are happy.”

My brothers: Be mindful and remember the Qur’an before it is too late. And be mindful of its boundaries. And know that it can either be a witness for you or against you. “and a Day on which the evildoer will bite his hands [in despair], exclaiming: “Oh, would that I had followed the path shown to me by the apostle! Oh, woe is me! Would that I had not taken so-and-so for a friend! Indeed, he led me astray from the remembrance [of God] after it had come unto me!” For [thus it is:] Satan is ever a betrayer of man. AND [on that Day] the Apostle will say: “O my Sustainer! Behold, [some of] my people have come to regard this Qur’an as something [that ought to be] discarded! For so it is that against every prophet We have set up enemies from among those who are lost in sin: yet none can guide and give succour as thy Sustainer does!”

Sittings In Ramadhaan With Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen (Day 11)

مجالس شهر رمضان
Day Eleven:
From the Encouraged Etiquettes of Fasting
Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Bin ‘Uthaymeen

My brothers: This is the second half of the etiquettes of fasting, and it is the etiquettes which are encouraged.

Having The Suhoor

From them is having the suhoor (eating in the last part of the night before Fajr). The Prophet (SAW) ordered this by saying, “Participate in the suhoor for indeed there is blessing in it.” (Agreed upon) He (SAW) also said, “The difference between our fast and that of the People of the Book is the eating of suhoor.” (Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) also recommended dates for suhoor by saying, “The best of suhoor for a believer are dates.” (Abu Dawood) The Prophet (SAW) also said, “All of suhoor is blessing, so do not leave it, even if one of just has water to drink, for indeed Allah and his Angels send their blessings on the people that eat suhoor.” (Ahmed with a strong chain)

The person making suhoor should make their intention to imitate the Prophet (SAW) so that it will become an act of worship, and they should also make their intention of eating suhoor that it will give them the power to fast for the day, so that they will be rewarded. Zayd ibn Thabit reported: “We ate suhoor with the Messenger of Allah and then got up for the prayer.” Someone asked: “What was the amount of time between the two?” He replied: “(The time it takes to recite] 50 verses.” (Bukhari) ‘Aisha (RA) relates that Billal used to make the Athan at night, so the Prophet (SAW) said, “Eat and drink until Ibn Um Maktum makes the athan for indeed he makes it once Fajr time has arrived.” (Bukhari) Delaying the fast makes fasting easier as well as it’s a protection from oversleeping Fajr. As Allah says, “and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread.”

Hastening To Break The Fast

It is also recommended to break the fast as soon as Maghrib time enters. The Prophet (SAW) said, “The people will continue to be in good condition as long as they hasten to break the fast.” (Agreed upon) The sunnah is to break the fast with fresh dates. Anas (RA) said, “The prophet (SAW) used to break his fast with fresh dates before he prayed. If he did not find fresh dates then he would use dried dates. If he did not find that also he drank a few sips of water.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhee) Once they break their fast they should make supplication for whatever they wish. As the Prophet (SAW) said, “Indeed for the fasting person once they break their fast is a du’aa that is not rejected.” (Sunnan Abi Majah)

Doing A Variety Of Good Deeds

From the actions that are recommended are increasing in reciting Qur’an, dhikr, duah, prayer, and charity. The Prophet (SAW) said, “The supplications of three persons are not rejected: the supplication of a fasting person at the time of breaking fast, of a just ruler, and of a person who is wronged. Allah causes their supplications to rise above the clouds, and gates of heaven are opened for them, and Allah says, ‘By My Majesty, I will help you, even it be after a while’.” (Ibn Hibban, Ahmed, Tirmidhee) Ibn Abbas describes that the Prophet (SAW) was the most generous of people, even more so in Ramadhan. The Prophet (SAW)) said, “Who from amongst you is fasting today?” Abu Bakr replied, “I am.” He (the Prophet (SAW)) said, “Who from amongst you has fed a miskeen (needy person) today?” Abu Bakr replied, “I have.” He said, “Who from amongst you has followed a janazah (followed behind a funeral proceeding or gone to witness process of burial) today?” Abu Bakr replied, “I have.” He said, “Who from amongst you has visited a sick person?” Abu Bakr replied, “I have.” Then the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “These traits (or characteristics) are never collectively found in a person except that he will enter Paradise.” (Muslim)

Praising Allaah

The fasting person should also thank Allah for blessing them to be able to see this month. Many people could not reap the benefits of this month because they passed away before it came, or they are not performing the obligations of this month. So they should thank Allah for giving them the chance to receive forgiveness, and uplifting in status.

My brothers: You should act upon the etiquettes and manners of this month. And follow the way of the salaf. For indeed the latter part of this Ummah will not become righteous unless it acts upon what the former part of this Ummah did from obedience and leaving of the sins.