The act of indulging in sinful behavior carries a multitude of negative consequences.
However, many individuals fail to comprehend these consequences as they are not immediately evident.
Yet, the effects gradually manifest over time. Among these detrimental outcomes of indulging in sin is the obstruction of acquiring knowledge, a decline in devotion, a heart shrouded in darkness and confinement, and much more.
Falling Deeper into Sin
The idea is that a person who commits a sin will increasingly be inclined towards other wrongdoings. In short, sin leads to more sin, while obedience to The Most Forebearing commands continually guides one towards righteousness.
Facing Life's Hardships
Prophet Muhammad ï·º P.B.U.H ( may peace and blessings be upon Him ) say:
"Whoever makes the world his primary concern, Allah will scatter his affairs and place poverty before his eyes, and he will not get from the world except what has been decreed for him. But whoever makes the Hereafter his intention, Allah will gather his affairs and place contentment in his heart, and the world will come to him despite its reluctance."
A sinner often finds themselves entangled in various challenges that make navigating life difficult.
They may perceive their sins as not contributing to their difficulties, as they tend to believe that these challenges are inherently tough to overcome.
Loss of Knowledge
Ibn Qayyim explains that knowledge is a light bestowed by The Most Forebearing upon every Muslim heart. Thus, sinful behavior that goes against The Most Forebearing commands can extinguish that light.
Emptiness of the Heart
A sinner will experience a sense of emptiness within their heart, a disconnect between themselves and The Most Forebearing. This feeling of isolation can also extend to their social interactions, particularly in their relationships with virtuous individuals.
Darkening of the Heart
Those who engage in sinful behavior will discover a darkness within their hearts, which becomes a reality in their lives. Their hearts and bodies weaken in their inclination to do good and tend to succumb to sinful actions.
Shortening Lifespan
Ibn Qayyim also explains that committing sins can lead to a shortened lifespan and diminish the blessings bestowed upon an individual.
Preventing Repentance
Sin hinders its perpetrator from repenting. It's as if they become captive to the influence of evil forces.
Taking Pride in Sinful Acts
Gradually, a sinner can become arrogant and even take pride in the transgressions they commit.
Their Status Diminishes in the Eyes of The Most Forebearing
Those who engage in sinful behavior will find themselves in a diminished position in the eyes of The Most Forebearing. Their status will decline in His sight.
Inheriting Disgrace and Tainting the Mind
Sins leave their perpetrator burdened with disgrace. Furthermore, the mind becomes tainted due to obscuring one's inner brightness.
Causing Earthquakes
Engaging in sinful behavior can lead to an excessive and immoderate demeanor in individuals, which has the potential to trigger earthquakes and disasters.
Blinding the Heart
Sins lead to feelings of jealousy within the heart, a sense of shame, obscure the light within, and blind the heart.
Disrupting the Foundations of Society
Sins and transgressions can also contribute to corrupt actions that can damage the fabric of society and the state. Such transgressions can result in the breakdown of societal norms and even lead to the downfall of a nation.
For a person whose conduct is rife with transgressions, their heart can become constricted, leading to restlessness and anguish.
Conversely, by abstaining from sinful behavior, we can attain genuine happiness.
Indeed, one form of transgression that is often underestimated by Muslim women is the reluctance to cover their modesty. However, it's important to note that covering the body or wearing the hijab is a direct commandment from The Most Forebearing for Muslim women.
Not covering one's modesty also becomes one of the sources of adultery. Al-Hafidz Ibn al-Jauzi mentioned that if only those who engage in sinful behavior realize how fleeting the pleasure of that sin is, and subsequently experience the consequences of their transgression—such as The Most Forebearing displeasure, the burden of sin, and its punishment —they would not have the strength to commit that sin.
When we start to experience these signs, it's crucial to be vigilant. Swiftly redirect yourself before straying far from the path of The Most Forebearing. Sins can lead humans towards hellfire, while virtuous deeds guide towards paradise. Therefore, in order to distance oneself from transgressions, Muslim women should enhance their righteous actions. Elevate acts of kindness and goodness.
Hence, promptly abandon all actions that could lead to sin. Abandoning sinful behavior can bring happiness to the heart, provide inner peace, and cleanse the soul. Those who forsake wrongdoing will find their hearts at ease and their spirits lifted. Those who detest sin will also find solutions to every problem, whereas these very problems weigh down the hearts of the wicked and sinful individuals.
