How Do We Realize We've Normalized a Sin?

Understanding whether one has normalized a sin in their life is one of the most subtle and vital issues on the path of self-purification and drawing closer to God. The Holy Quran does not directly use the phrase 'normalizing a sin,' but it introduces profound concepts that help us identify the signs of this dangerous spiritual phenomenon within ourselves. These concepts include the rusting of the heart, heedlessness, following one's desires, and the deception of Satan, all of which can lead to indifference towards sin and ultimately its normalization. Normalizing a sin means losing the heart's sensitivity to the ugliness and wrongness of a wrongful act, to the point where one no longer considers it a sin or fears its consequences. One of the primary signs of normalizing a sin is the 'hardening of the heart' (Qaswat al-Qulub). The Quran repeatedly refers to this state, considering it a result of turning away from divine verses and persisting in sin. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 74, Allah states: “Then your hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or even harder...” When the heart hardens, it no longer feels affected by warnings, the initial pleasure (e.g., hidden or forbidden pleasure) derived from committing a sin transforms into a kind of indifference, and the individual moves away from repentance and turning back to Allah. This hardening is the first step towards normalization because the person no longer perceives the ugliness of the sin. The second sign is falling into the trap of 'heedlessness' (Ghaflah). Heedlessness means unawareness and forgetfulness of truths and the consequences of actions. The Holy Quran states: “And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, and they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is those who are heedless.” (Al-A'raf, verse 179). When a person becomes heedless, they belittle sins, do not consider their future, and even forget that Allah is observing their deeds. This gradual unawareness transforms a sin from an exceptional and wrongful act into a normal part of life. The third factor is 'following one's desires' (Hawa). The Quran repeatedly warns that following carnal desires can divert a person from the right path. In Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 23, it is stated: “Have you seen he who takes his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray knowingly...” When a person prioritizes their desires over divine commands, they find justifications for their sins to satisfy those desires. This rationalization removes the ugly aspect of the sin and turns it into an 'acceptable' or even 'necessary' matter. The fourth factor is the 'embellishment of Satan' (Tazyin al-Shaytan). Satan is introduced in the Quran as the clear enemy of humankind, whose duty is to make falsehood appear beautiful and truth appear ugly. In Surah An-Naml, verse 24, concerning the people of Sheba, it says: “...and Satan had made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from the [right] way, so they are not guided.” When Satan beautifies a sin in a person's eyes and portrays it as nothing more than an ordinary or even enjoyable act, the individual gradually repeats it without any bad feeling, and thus the sin becomes normalized within them. Practical Signs of Normalizing a Sin based on these Quranic Concepts: 1. Lack of Remorse and Regret: When you commit a sin and your heart feels no guilt, shame, or regret whatsoever, this is a serious sign of its normalization. A living heart abhors sin. 2. Justifying Sins: Instead of admitting fault and seeking forgiveness, you look for logical or even religious justifications for your actions. For example, you might say, “Everyone does it,” “It was a necessity,” or “Allah is forgiving, and this is not a big deal.” 3. Indifference to Advice: When friends, family, or religious scholars advise you regarding a sinful act, and you are not only unaffected but also annoyed or angry, this indicates a hardened heart. 4. Repeatedly Committing Sin Without Effort to Abandon It: If you commit a sin over and over again and feel no will to abandon it, or even do not think of repenting, this is a serious symptom. 5. Enjoying Sin or Having a Strong Inclination Towards It: If you are not only undisturbed by committing a sin but also enjoy it and have a strong desire to repeat it, this is a sign of Satan's complete infiltration and the normalization of sin. 6. Belittling Sin: When you view a sin as minor and insignificant, while in Allah's sight it is grave. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The smallest sin that you belittle is the greatest sin.” 7. Decreased Sensitivity to Others' Sins: If you see similar sins in others and feel no unpleasantness, considering them normal, it might mean that sin has also become normalized in your view. Ways to Combat Normalizing Sin (based on Quranic teachings): 1. Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr Allah): Constant remembrance of Allah prevents heedlessness and keeps the heart soft and awake. “Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Ar-Ra'd, verse 28). 2. Sincere Repentance (Tawbah Nasuh): A sincere and immediate return to Allah, regretting the sin, and resolving to abandon it. “O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance.” (At-Tahrim, verse 8). 3. Pondering the Quran and Studying Verses of Punishment and Divine Promise: Reflecting on Allah's greatness, the Day of Judgment, and the consequences of sins revives the fear of Allah in the heart. 4. Self-Accountability (Muhasabah al-Nafs): Reflect on your daily actions every night before sleep. This helps increase self-awareness and prevents heedlessness. 5. Strengthening Faith and Piety (Iman and Taqwa): Belief in the afterlife and divine rewards and punishments is the best protection against sin. 6. Supplication and Seeking Allah's Help (Du'a): Always ask Allah to protect your heart from hardness and heedlessness and to keep you steadfast on the path of guidance. 7. Choosing Righteous Companions: Associating with pious and faithful individuals greatly influences the awakening of conscience and the remembrance of religious duties. Ultimately, normalizing sin is a gradual spiritual ailment that, if not diagnosed and treated in time, can lead to complete ruin. Awakening the conscience, feeling regret, and continually returning to Allah are signs of a living heart and the way to salvation from this state. The Holy Quran consistently invites humanity to ponder, repent, and return to the pure divine nature to prevent falling into this fatal normalization and to live a life full of light and insight. Constant vigilance over one's actions and intentions is key to maintaining sensitivity towards sin and preventing its normalization.