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Do Muslims believe in original sin?

Unidentified newborn bat
Photo: Anton, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

No. Muslims don't believe in original sin. Islam teaches that Adam and Eve sinned, repented and were forgiven, and that no one inherits anyone else's sin. Every baby is born pure, with a natural inclination toward God, and each person is responsible only for their own choices.

Adam's mistake was forgiven

The Quran tells the story of Adam and Eve eating from the forbidden tree, but it ends with mercy rather than a curse on humanity: "Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance" (Quran 2:37). Another verse adds: "Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided [him]" (Quran 20:122).

In Islam, the slate was wiped clean. Adam went on to become the first prophet, and the Quran blames both Adam and Eve together, not Eve alone.

No one carries another's sin

A principle repeated several times in the Quran is personal responsibility:

أَلَّا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ "That no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another" Quran 53:38

The same idea appears in Quran 6:164. You won't be judged for what your parents, ancestors or Adam did, only for what you did yourself.

Born pure, on the fitrah

Instead of being born in sin, Islam teaches that people are born on the fitrah, a natural, clean state that recognises God. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) and his parents convert him to Judaism or Christianity or Magianism" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1385).

That's why Muslims believe children who die young are not punished. See What happens to babies who die in Islam?

Then how are people saved?

Without original sin, there's no need for someone else to pay for it. Islam teaches that people reach God's forgiveness through faith, sincere repentance and good deeds, all by His mercy. There's no baptism needed to remove an inherited stain.

This is good news for converts: when you become Muslim, your past sins are forgiven and you start fresh. See Are all my sins forgiven when I become Muslim?

And when you slip after that, the door of repentance stays open. See Will Allah forgive me if I keep committing the same sin?

Key points
  • Islam has no concept of inherited original sin.
  • Adam and Eve repented and God forgave them.
  • Everyone is born pure, on the fitrah.
  • Each person answers only for their own deeds.
Tip: If you grew up feeling guilty just for being human, let that weight go. In Islam, mistakes are part of life, and the answer is simple: turn back to God, say sorry sincerely, and keep going.

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