Is there a way to obtain forgiveness for the sin of committing a sin openly, and do seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and repentance (Tawbah) forgive it? What is the interpretation of the verse: {Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans – those who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will be upon them, nor will they grieve} (Quran 2:62)? And does it mean that a Christian who only believes in God and that Jesus is a messenger will enter Paradise?

The mere act of committing a sin is a transgression, and openly committing it is an uglier sin. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "All of my Ummah will be forgiven except for those who commit sins openly." The path to forgiveness is sincere repentance, regret, and a firm resolve not to return to the sin. Allah Almighty says: "And it is He who accepts repentance from His servants." And His saying, "Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans – whoever believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord," includes those who believed in their prophet and died upon that belief before the advent of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. As for those who lived during the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, but did not believe in him, they are disbelievers, and nothing but Islam will be accepted from them. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, no one from this nation, neither a Jew nor a Christian, hears of me and then dies without believing in that with which I was sent, except that he will be among the people of the Fire."