“…like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. (Al-Fath 48:29)
In this last Ayat of Surah Al-Fath, Allah (swt) provides us with this description of the Prophet’s (sa) companions and the believers using the analogy of a seed transforming into a healthy plant. As we read, we find ourselves visualizing seeds sprouting, emerging from the soil, the stems gaining strength, until they stand tall, making the sower proud. The analogy helps us visualize our own seed-like journey from a humble Nutfah, with our latent potential, to a firm, confident believer, who is reaching his or her potential.
We aspire to this ideal, but often overlook the fact that without tender care, protection, and nourishment, growth remains stunted. Rasulullah (sa) informed us that “the strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah (swt) than the weak believer, while there is good in both. Strive for what benefits you, seek Allah’s (swt) assistance, and do not feel helpless.” (Ibn Majah) This points to a proactive approach in our growth.
A major setback to our growth potential is our sins. As practicing Muslims, we may think we are doing fine, as long as we don’t indulge in any major act of disobedience to Allah (swt). We seldom reflect on all the subtle ways in which we sin on a daily basis and the noticeable accumulative affect that this has on all the domains of our lives: spiritual, mental, economic, individual, and collective. Below we focus on the psycho-spiritual aspects of sinning.
Silencing of the Inner Compass
Allah (swt) has gifted us with an inner compass. He has inspired our inner-self to distinguish “what is wrong for him and what is right for him.” (Ash-Shams 91:8). The Prophet (sa) said: “Sin is what wavers in your heart and which you do not want people to know about.” (Muslim) Hence, a healthy heart recognizes sinful conduct, going into a state of spiritual agitation every time we act against the soul.
A person mindful of Allah (swt) responds by repenting and returning into Allah’s (swt) obedience. Rasulullah (sa) told us: “All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.” (At-Tirmidhi) However, as the scholar Hamza Yusuf points out, people tend to submerge themselves in sinful distractions to cover up this agitation and thus become cut-off from the essential nature of their hearts.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Our soul yearns to have a deep connection with its Lord, but acts of disobedience sever that connection. People resort to smoking, drinking, gambling, and other forms of gratification to cover their restlessness, but it only deepens their misery. Moreover, many sins are addictive, resulting in long-term mental health issues. Allah (swt) warns us in the Quran: “But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Quran nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship.” (Taha 20:124)
The Sin Becomes the Sinner’s Punishment
Sins are heavy to carry, so it’s wise not to take them lightly. In the famous Russian novel “Crime and Punishment”, the author Dostoevsky shows how a crime can haunt a person his entire life. The burden on the sinner’s conscience is enough of a punishment in this world. The Quran reminds us: “O mankind! Your rebellion (disobedience to Allah) is only against your own selves.” (Yunus 10:23)
Vices that have become commonplace are also not without consequence. For instance, lying can be cognitively, physiologically, and spiritually depleting. A study by the psychology professor Anita Kelly showed that reduction in participants’ lying resulted in more than fifty percent reduction in health complaints, including anxiety and headaches, and improved relationships and social interactions.
Delay in Consequences
Hamza Yusuf mentions that one of the things Umar (rtam) noticed about their lives as Muslims, compared to the pre-Islamic Jahiliyah period, was that they would see an immediate effect when they did something wrong. Being held accountable early on is an opportunity for the believer to correct course and make Taubah (repentance).
Conversely, when a person sins continuously and stubbornly, forgetting Allah’s (swt) good counsel, Allah (swt) delays the bad consequences and gives him a joyful life in this world, only to grab him suddenly, leaving him with regrets (see Al-Anam 6:44). It is delusional to consider a sin inconsequential, only because we cannot see its harm in our lives. The punishment will come, but when it does, it may be too late.
The Shayateen as Companions
Allah (swt) warns: “And whosoever turns away (blinds himself) from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. this Quran and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan – devil) to be a Qarin (an intimate companion) to him.” (Az-Zukhruf 43:36).
Explaining this Ayah, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, an Islamic theologian at Al-Maghrib Institute, says that the angels no longer surround such a person and his only spiritual associates are the Shayateen.
Lifting of Haya Opens Doors to More Sins
Haya (pious shyness from committing religious indiscretion; self-respect) is a treasured part of Islamic faith. When a person is unashamed to commit wrongs in front of Allah (swt), it means he no longer sees the severity of his actions. His heart adapts to the sin and he becomes openly disobedient. Rasulullah (sa) said: “Indeed Haya and Iman (faith) are together. When one of them is removed, the other is removed.” (Bayhaqi)
Clouding of Judgement
When a person is in a state of Taqwa (consciousness of Allah (swt)), Allah (swt) strengthens his heart with Furqan – the criterion that distinguishes right from wrong (see Al-Anfal 8:29). But a person who sins is deprived of this insight. Moreover, his intellect is weakened by all the worthless things that occupy his time.
What Can You Do?
Begin by acknowledging that complacency regarding sins can sabotage your spiritual growth. To strengthen and realign the soul, supplicate to Allah (swt), gain knowledge, be patient and consistent in doing good deeds, and do Zikr and Astaghfar. Treat Shaytan as your open enemy, and avoid people, places, and opportunities that are poisonous to your heart. Finally, surround yourself with good, honest people, who encourage you towards fulfilling your human potential.
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