We Need To Stop Justifying Our Sins And Denying What's 100 Percent Haram In Islam | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

We Need To Stop Justifying Our Sins And Denying What's 100 Percent Haram In Islam

We are no different from the ones we rag on for not being "good Muslims."

964
We Need To Stop Justifying Our Sins And Denying What's 100 Percent Haram In Islam
Unsplash / Ifrah Akhter

We do it all the time, from elders on the edge of their expected lifespan to kids who have no idea what they're really saying, except the excuses they hear their siblings and parents and other Muslims make. From listening to music to dating, even in my bubble of acquaintances, I've heard so many people say exactly what no Muslim should ever say, think or feel: "It may be haram, but I don't really care."

This is even worse than admitting if you don't know if something is sinful or not because by denying the truth altogether, you are disregarding the commandments of Allah (swt).

It's okay if it's hard for you to stop your haram habits. It's okay if you're struggling. It's okay if you mess up again and again. It's okay if you have to ask for forgiveness from Allah (swt) every single day. It's actually not just okay. It's great. Your behavior shows progress. Your actions show you care. The fact you care shows the light of your imaan is still flickering bright amid all the dark temptations around us.

I know this is hard for some people to accept, but this holds true for everything in this world and hereafter: how you feel about a fact doesn't alter its validity. It is what it is.

Similarly, whatever Allah (swt) has commanded is not up for debate. Dancing is haram, regardless of how it may seem like just fun and games. Dating is still a sin, no matter how much you may like a certain person. Five prayers every day is still required of every Muslim in nearly every condition, though we may struggle to remember sometimes. Asking for forgiveness and mercy from Allah (swt) is a privilege that we should take advantage of over and over again, even if we think, "I've done nothing wrong," because these actions are what show we are cognizant of what it means to behave as Muslims.

And how you behave directly influences how you will feel about being Muslim, as well. Our job is to sort out our feelings about the truth.

You should feel bad about engaging in haram behavior.

You should beashamed of partaking in such activities.

You should feel a strong inclination to repent.

You should apologize to Allah (swt) and seek forgiveness.

You should care.

If you don't care, then what kind of Muslims have we become?

Some of my Muslim acquaintances admit they know music is haram, but then they follow that with, "But is it really? I mean, it's a good song." Or they just plainly admit, "Well, it may be haram, but I'm going to do it, anyway."

I won't lie; I also engage in some haram behavior. I understand how the guilt pools in a pit of defiance, and how sometimes, ignoring it all makes everything seem okay in the moment. I struggle with how I feel about my sins all the time, but one thing I've learned over time is that we need to honestly admit our feelings and separate those feelings from the fact of the matter.

Your denial of something as haram — when it is clearly sinful — stems from a subconscious arrogance rooted in the feeling that you are in control of what you deem to be your life.

Not many of us realize on a deeper level that our lives are not our own. Our bodies are not are own. This life, this body and this free will are all privileges granted to us by Allah (swt). We have heard warning tales of others — others who denounced Islam to run away with their secret boyfriend/girlfriend or the deceased bodies of those who show signs of the grave punishment to come.

SEE ALSO: Be Aware Of The Punishment Allah May Send In The Grave For Your Arrogance

We think of those "others" as unfortunate, yet we fail to actually understand because we don't put ourselves in their shoes. You don't realize that the choices you make, the life you lead and who are you are is no different than all the "others" you've heard about.

You, too, have upset Allah (swt). You, too, have hurt Allah (swt). You, too, have not only disregarded Allah's commandments but have even scrutinized them as invalid or listened to someone else do it without saying anything.

And have you ever cared?

We go to great lengths to please our parents. We plead for understanding from our teachers and bosses. We even throw an "I'm sorry" for bumping into strangers on the street. But do we ever take the time to apologize to Allah (swt)? Do you ever ask Allah (swt) how He feels? Or do you feel embarrassed by the thought of doing that just because you don't hear or see an obvious reply?

Allah (swt) cares. He listens. Even after we've committed so much sin against Him, even when we've disregarded his commandments, even though we've misrepresented Islam and done ourselves wrong as Muslims and an ummah, Allah (swt) has made sure you are provided for — from the food you eat to the easy life you lead.

Don't take it for granted. If you've read this far, that in itself is a blessing from Allah (swt). Take a chance now and every day from here on out to reflect before you act, to pause and think about Allah (swt) before you engage in something, because Allah (swt) is always thinking of you. We'll never be perfect, and we may never get around to doing everything we should as Muslims or even rectifying all our faults, but we can certainly start to make the conscious effort instead of letting life tug us by the collar of worldly desires.

SEE ALSO: I Asked 10 Converts Why They Chose Islam

Even if it's just one habit you stop, even if it's just one one moment you pass on, that is a start on your journey to becoming a better, more beloved Muslim in the eyes of Allah (swt). And I promise you, once you experience a sliver of that feeling, there will be nothing more gratifying.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

133949
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

31359
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28728
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments