If a person ingests poison or is bitten by a poisonous creature, that poison can travel around the entire body and effect numerous limbs and organs. Even a small dose of poison can shortly become fatal. Outwardly, only a small mark may be visible upon the skin that was bitten. Inwardly, the harm it causes is far greater. Sins are also poisonous. It would be befitting to say that they are more poisonous, for their consequences are far greater than a poisonous bite. It can ruin our worship and relationship with Allah.
It can even ruin our relationships with people and our sustenance, for Nabi ﷺ has said, “A man is deprived of provisions because of the sins that he commits” (recorded in Ibn Maajah). Scholars of the past have stated that when they disobeyed Allah, they noticed a difference in the obedience of their riding animals and their wives. For hearts are in the control of Allah; the one who disobeys Allah, how can he expect obedience from the creation? Allah is more deserving of his obedience.
Shaykh Maseehullah Khan رحمه اللّٰه has stated, “Anything that has a harmful effect, Allah has created an antidote. In a similar manner, or in fact, to an even greater extent, Allah has kept cures for our baatin (heart/inward states)”. He continues, “Sins are poison and the antidote is Tawbah (repentance)”. It is from the unending mercy of Allah, that he has created solutions for the suffering caused by sins. Repentance heals the heart, motivates the mind, and removes the stench of sins from our lives. Allah knows that we will slip into sins. Afterall, we are only humans, not angels. Even the most pious of people can makes mistakes. From amongst them there are some fortunate souls who, when they err, they repent immediately. They recall their mistakes, weep, and resolve to move forward. Day by day, they are the ones who draw closer to Allah, while the rest remain stuck in sins.
Tawbah is a solution available for everyone to use. It is free and easy. A simple cry from the heart and a firm resolve to change, is repentance enough. However, Shaytaan discourages us, for he had this opportunity to repent but he refused. He wanted to use his logic to avoid repentance. Unfortunately, some people do the same. They assume they are eligible to decide what is a sin and what is not, whereas Deen is not based on our logic or opinion. It is based on the commands of Allah. Others assume they are not good enough, and some simply do not care enough to repent. It is due to the darkness in their hearts that they are unmoved by their sins.
With regards to them, Shaykh Maseehullah رحمه اللّٰه continues, “Although Tawbah has been created, not everyone will make use of it. Take the example of poison again. Though an antidote has been created, not everyone will invest in it.” Those who refuse to take the antidote will cause no one suffering except themselves, for we will enter our graves alone and face the consequences alone. Those who accept it, will benefit no one except themselves. Thus, sins are poisonous but fortunately, we have been blessed with a cure. May we be amongst those who take it, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 26/8/19 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full talk, please click here.
