In this day and age, tribulations and evils become widespread and the devils among the humankind and Jinn strive hard to push people to do evils and commit immoralities and sins through different ways and tricks. For example, in the streets, public ways, mobile phones, media, internet and social media, and networking sites.
In such situation, Muslims, particularly the youth feel a dire need to protect themselves from sins and ways to save themselves from the flames of fire that surround them. Knowing the rewards and benefits of decency, chastity, modesty, good manners and similarly being aware of the bad consequences of major sins can certainly do a whole lot of good to individuals as well as society.
In general, Allah (SWT) has prohibited all kinds of sins, evils, and sinful deeds. He (SWT) has forbidden us from committing them and commanded us not even come near to them. Allah (SWT) says:
“Come not near to Al-Fawahish (all kinds of evil, illegal and sinful deeds) whether committed openly or secretly,” (Al-Anam 6:151).
Following are the several steps to protect yourself from sins and immoralities:
1). Knowing That Allah (SWT) is Watching All the Time
A Muslim should know all the times that his True Lord, Allah is Ever-Watchful, watching him while committing sins whether they are committed secretly or openly. He should also know that nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth, and in the heaven, and that He knows the fraud of the eyes and all that the breasts conceal. He should not underestimate the Mighty and Greatness of Allah (SWT) by hiding his sins, crimes, and evils from the people and committing them without fearing Him. Allah (SWT) says:
“They may hide (their crimes) from men, but they cannot hide (them) from Allah, for He is with them (by His Knowledge),” (An-Nisa 4:108).
2). Lower the Gaze
A person should lower his gaze as it has many benefits, such as: Tranquility of the soul, peace of mind, purity, and softness of the heart, protection of the private parts (having chastity), and enhancement of Faith. Allah (SWT) says:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them.” (An-Nur 24:30).
3). Develop Ghairah from the Religion of Islam
One should remember that Ghairah (jealousy as regards women, or a feeling of fury and anger when one’s honor or prestige is harmed or challenged) is from the religion and that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to be more jealous concerning the honor and prestige of the Muslims. Saad bin Ubadah (RA) once said:
“If I saw a man with my wife, I would strike him with my sword, and not with the flat side of it.” News of that reached the Prophet (PBUH) to which replied:
“Are you surprised at the jealousy of Saad? By Allah, I am more jealous than him, and Allah is more jealous than me. It is because of His jealousy that Allah forbade immoral deeds, both open and secret.” (Al-Bukhari 7416).
4). Acts of Indecency Bring Harmful Diseases
A person must know that when immorality like, adultery and homosexuality become widespread in a society or community, various and numerous kinds of plagues and diseases will emerge among them. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Immorality never appears among a people to such an extent that they commit it openly, but plagues and diseases that were never known among the predecessors will spread among them.” (Ibn Majah 4019).
Due to immorality and impudence, many dangerous diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea have emerged, and therefore AIDS and hepatitis came into existence. The more the society is free from immodesty, the less the ratio of these diseases.
5). Repent For the Committed Sins
An evildoer should hasten to repent to his Lord before the death overcomes him and deprives him of repenting to Allah, which is one of the righteous good deeds and by doing such an act of worship he can remove his sins. He must remember while repenting to Allah (SWT) that He is All-Forgiving and All-Merciful to him who repents, believes in Him, does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them (till his death). He should also know that Allah (SWT) is severe in punishment for those who cross the limits of wrongdoing and remain disobedient to Allah (SWT).
In short, Allah (SWT) has prohibited all kinds of immorality, forbidden us from committing them, and warned us to restrain from doing them, but for those who remain constant in doing them then He will punish them on the Day of Resurrection. Regarding such kind of people the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“Allah gives respite to the wrongdoer, then when He seizes him, He does not let him go.” (Al-Bukhari 4686).
The above-mentioned Hadith points out that Allah (SWT) gives respite to evildoers and it is a kind of mercy from Him. And it is because that they may use this time to accept true guidance, escape from the torment of Allah and deserve His blessings. If Allah (SWT) does not punish an evildoer immediately, it does not mean that he has escaped from Allah, but Allah gives him respite until a certain time and then seizes him suddenly.
Also Read: 7 Major and Destructive Sins
