The Impact of Sins on the Heart and the Means of Rectification through Repentance

Whoever contemplates the texts of the two revelations (the Qur’an and Sunnah) realizes that sins have both a physical and spiritual impact on the believer's heart. This was elucidated by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in his saying:

‘When a believer commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents, desists, and seeks forgiveness, his heart is polished. But if he increases (in sin), the spot increases until it covers his heart. That is the "Ran" (stain).’

The Prophet (peace be upon him) then cited the words of Allah the Almighty:

‘No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts because of what they were earning.’

(Surah Al-Mutaffifin: 14)

The Danger of Persistence and Belittled Sins

Reaching the stage of "Ran" makes returning and repentance a difficult matter. Therefore, a believer must not spend a night without seeking forgiveness for all his sins, warning himself against belittling minor sins, known as muhaqqarat al-dhunub; for if they accumulate upon a person, they destroy him.

Public Disclosure of Sin

One of the severest trials for a servant is to tear away the veil of Allah's protection by publicizing his sins. Regarding this, the Chosen One (peace be upon him) said:

‘All of my Ummah will be forgiven except those who publicize their sins. An example of this is a man who commits a deed at night, and although Allah has screened him, he wakes up and says: "O so-and-so, I did such and such last night." He spent the night screened by his Lord, but in the morning he removes the screen of Allah from himself.’

The Methodology of Rectification: Good Deeds After Evil Ones

It is from the grace of Allah the Almighty that He has provided a way out for every sin. If a servant falls into error, he must immediately follow it with a good deed, adhering to the prophetic guidance:

‘And if you commit an evil deed, perform a good deed beside it; secret for secret, and public for public.’

Thus, whoever sins in secret should seek forgiveness and do good in secret, and whoever sins publicly should manifest repentance and good deeds publicly, so that it may serve as an expiation for him and a polishing of his heart.