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Furthermore, Allah commanded people to repent and seek forgiveness for what they had done. Had those deeds been like permissible acts, whose performance and omission are equally acceptable, or like acts that are pardoned, or the acts of children and the insane, they would not have been commanded to seek forgiveness and repent. This establishes that those deeds were reprehensible sins. Yet Allah does not punish until He has established the proof against people. Thus, Allah Most High says:

“Alif Lām Rā. A Book whose verses have been perfected and then explained in detail, from One who is All-Wise, All-Aware: worship none but Allah. Indeed, I am a warner and a bearer of good tidings to you from Him. Seek your Lord’s forgiveness and then repent to Him; He will grant you good enjoyment for an appointed term and give everyone of merit their due reward. But if you turn away, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.”

And Allah Most High says:

“Say, ‘I am only a human being like you. It is revealed to me that your God is One God, so turn steadfastly to Him and seek His forgiveness.’ And woe to those who associate partners with Him, who do not give zakah.”

He also says:

“Indeed, We sent Noah to his people: ‘Warn your people before a painful punishment comes upon them.’ He said, ‘O my people, I am truly a clear warner to you: worship Allah, fear Him, and obey me. He will forgive you some of your sins.’”

This indicates that their deeds were sins even before he warned them.

And He says concerning Hūd:

“And to ʿĀd We sent their brother Hūd. He said, ‘O my people, worship Allah