Sins and Their Types
Allah Almighty has commanded His servants to obey Him and to remain steadfast in that obedience, while also warning them against disobedience and the dire consequences that sinful actions may entail. He has informed them that those who indulge in sins expose themselves to immense loss in both this world and the Hereafter, reminding them of the various forms of punishment should they persist in such behavior. Disobedience, by definition, is the opposite of obedience; thus, anyone who disobeys Allah has contravened His commands and engaged in actions He prohibites. This behavior leads individuals to accept that which Allah despises, resulting in what is clearly described as a manifest loss, as indicated in the noble verse: (“And it is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter, that they should have any choice in their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error.”) Therefore, it is essential for individuals to comply with any command from Allah they are aware of and to implement it into their lives.
Sins are often considered a characteristic of Satan, serving as his traps to ensnare those who yield to him. Allah has described Satan as saying: (“Indeed, Satan has been to the Most Merciful, disobedient.”) He entices humans to commit sins and transgressions; those who heed his call fall into his snares. As stated in the Holy Qur’an: (“And do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a manifest enemy. He only instructs you to evil and immorality and to say about Allah what you do not know.”) Sins can be categorized into several types; some originate from within the heart, as indicated by Allah’s words: (“And whoever intends therein to commit deviation unjustly – We will make him taste of a painful punishment.”) Others are associated with the limbs; for instance, the eyes commit sin when gazing upon what Allah has prohibited, and the tongue can also sin. The effects of these sins are immense, as warned by the Prophet (peace be upon him), who stated: (“Indeed, a servant may utter a word that pleases Allah, unaware of its significance, for which Allah raises him in ranks. And indeed, a servant may utter a word that incurs Allah’s wrath, unaware of its consequences, and he may fall into Hellfire.”) Furthermore, sins can also be ranked, with some considered more severe than others. There are major sins, such as associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, bearing false witness, and consuming the wealth of orphans. In contrast, minor sins are promised forgiveness from Allah, provided the major ones are avoided, as mentioned in the verse: (“If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance.”)
Effects of Sins on the Soul
Ibn al-Qayyim outlined numerous consequences that sins can inflict upon the sinner. Certainly, they impose a significant burden, especially for those who persist in them. Below are some noted effects of sins on an individual’s psyche:
- Deprivation of Knowledge: Knowledge is light bestowed by Allah upon those who seek goodness and virtue, while sinners are often deprived of it. It is noted that Imam Malik once advised Imam al-Shafi’i: (“I see that Allah has bestowed light upon your heart, do not extinguish it with the darkness of sin.”)
- Restriction in Sustenance: The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: (“A man may be deprived of sustenance due to the sin he commits.”)
- Isolation Between the Servant and His Lord: Just as obedience fosters love and closeness, disobedience brings about estrangement. Allah may even cause estrangement between the sinner and their family, spouse, and even pets.
- Obstacles in the Path of the Sinner: Allah has promised ease for the righteous, while sinners may encounter hardship and misfortune.
- Deprivation of Obedience: This is one of the gravest losses for those who engage in and trade sins. It is reported that a man approached al-Hasan al-Basri, expressing his desire to engage in night prayers but feeling unable to do so. Al-Basri replied: (Your sins have restrained you.)
- Increased Temptation to Sin: Sins can become appealing to the sinner’s heart, making it increasingly difficult to abandon them.
- Despair in the Eyes of Allah and People: Al-Hasan al-Basri remarked, (“They became insignificant to Allah, hence they disobeyed Him. If they had held high regard in His eyes, He would have protected them. When a servant becomes insignificant in the sight of Allah, no one honors them.”) People lose respect for the sinner, as highlighted by Abu al-Darda: (“A servant may commit a sin in solitude, and Allah may cast His wrath into the hearts of the believers, unbeknownst to him.”)
- Impending Loss of Blessings: Blessings endure when appreciated and recognized; however, gratitude cannot exist alongside sin. Thus, Allah may soon withdraw His blessings from a sinful servant.
Ways to Resist Sins
There are numerous strategies that can aid individuals in refraining from sins and maintaining steadfastness in their repentance. Awareness and application of these strategies can significantly assist in achieving one’s goals. The following factors can facilitate avoiding and steering clear of sins:
- The realization of the ugliness of sins and their adverse consequences, even if felt later. Allah has prohibited them for the sake of elevating individuals above trivialities and ignoble actions.
- The sense of shame before Allah, who observes the servant at all times and is fully aware of their actions during sinful moments.
- The remembrance of the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah. These blessings require gratitude and righteous deeds. Bearing sins against these blessings risks losing them. Conversely, if one repents to Allah, seeking His forgiveness and abandoning sin, Allah will complete His favors and even increase them.
- The fear and reverence for Allah’s punishment in this world and the next.
- The love for Allah, which stands as a significant and potent motivator to shun and abandon sins. Evidence of this love is found in the willingness to obey the beloved.
- The strengthening of one’s character, coupled with the understanding that sinning diminishes one’s dignity, equating them with the base and notorious.
- The recognition of the transient nature of worldly life, as well as the certainty of the Hereafter and the Day of Judgment. This awareness is instrumental in prompting individuals to hasten towards repentance and abandon sins.
- Reducing indulgence in food, drink, and clothing, while also avoiding excessive socializing and flattery. The inclination towards sin often stems from excess in permissible matters. By limiting these, individuals can confine themselves to acts of obedience and steer clear of the paths to sin.