How to remain sensitive to minor sins?

Maintaining sensitivity to sins, whether minor or major, is a clear sign of deep faith and piety (Taqwa) in Islam. The Holy Quran, while not providing a direct list of minor and major sins, offers profound guidance and fundamental principles for cultivating and preserving this sensitivity. From a Quranic perspective, every sin, even what might seem insignificant to a human, is a transgression of divine command and a crossing of the boundaries set by Allah. Therefore, preserving sensitivity to 'sagha'ir' (minor sins) is of particular importance, as neglecting them can gradually lead to committing 'kaba'ir' (major sins) or can darken the heart and weaken one's faith over time. The Quran heavily emphasizes concepts such as Taqwa, Tawbah (repentance), Istighfar (seeking forgiveness), and self-accountability, all of which are tools for enhancing this sensitivity. One of the most central Quranic concepts that helps in maintaining sensitivity towards sins, even the smallest ones, is 'Taqwa'. Taqwa is not merely the fear of God, but a constant awareness and vigilance regarding Allah's presence and the observance of His limits and decrees in every moment of life. A person endowed with Taqwa sees Allah as present and watchful in every action and word, and this very insight deters them from any lapse, however small. Allah commands believers to possess Taqwa in numerous verses, for Taqwa is the guarantee of salvation and prosperity in this world and the hereafter. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, it states: "And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. And fear Me, O you of understanding." This verse indicates that Taqwa is the best provision for the journey of life, and this provision includes abstaining from all sins, both minor and major. Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the truth that no deed, whether good or evil, remains hidden from Allah, and all will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment. This reality is clearly articulated in Surah Az-Zalzalah, verses 7 and 8: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." These verses paint a clear picture of divine precision and justice in accounting for deeds, teaching humans that no action, however small, is without consequence or overlooked. When a person understands that a forbidden glance, a word of backbiting, an evil thought, or a moment of negligence towards a duty will be recorded in their 'book of deeds,' they strive to avoid them. Another way to maintain sensitivity is through immediate 'Tawbah' (repentance) and 'Istighfar' (seeking forgiveness) after any slip-up. The Quran has always kept the doors of repentance open for its servants, inviting them to return and seek forgiveness. In Surah Ali 'Imran, verse 135, it states: "And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allah?—and [who] do not knowingly persist in what they have done." This verse shows that even after committing a sin, whether major or minor, remembering Allah and seeking immediate forgiveness prevents the sin's lasting effect on the soul and heart and keeps one's sensitivity alive. Persisting in minor sins gradually transforms them into major ones and desensitizes the heart to their ugliness. The Quran also stresses the importance of avoiding sins, both apparent and concealed. In Surah Al-An'am, verse 120, we read: "And leave what is apparent of sin and what is concealed. Indeed, those who earn sin will be recompensed for what they used to commit." This verse expands the scope of sin to all aspects of life, from hidden thoughts and intentions to public actions. This approach takes one's sensitivity to deeper layers of existence, compelling them to avoid even evil thoughts and satanic whispers that might not lead to action. Satan usually begins with small, seemingly insignificant temptations, and if one ignores them, he gradually leads them towards greater sins. Awareness of these 'small steps' is key to protecting oneself from a complete fall. In summary, to maintain sensitivity to minor sins, the Quran suggests the following: 1. Divine Taqwa: Cultivating a state of God-consciousness and constant vigilance that makes a person see Allah as present and watchful at all times, thus refraining from any disobedience, however small. 2. Remembering the Hereafter and Accountability: Keeping in mind that every atom's weight of deed, good or evil, will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment, serves as a strong motivation to avoid any slip. 3. Immediate Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness: Not persisting in sins and quickly returning to Allah after any lapse, even the smallest one, is essential for spiritual purity and maintaining conscience sensitivity. 4. Avoiding Hidden and Apparent Sins: Recognizing that sins are not limited to outward actions but also include inner thoughts and intentions deepens one's sensitivity. 5. Self-Monitoring and Accountability: Continuously evaluating one's actions and thoughts and aligning them with divine teachings prevents minor deviations. By relying on these Quranic principles, an individual can keep their heart alive and sensitive, ensuring that no sin, however seemingly minor, diverts them from the straight path of Allah. This path is a continuous journey towards perfection and divine pleasure, requiring constant effort and vigilance.