Is making excuses for sin a form of self-deception?

In the rich and profound teachings of the Holy Quran, while the exact psychological term 'self-deception' may not be frequently used, the concepts related to it and the consequences of deceiving oneself regarding sins are clearly articulated. The Quran consistently invites humanity to self-awareness, accountability, and sincerity with oneself and the Creator, discouraging any behavior that leads to the concealment of truth or evasion of responsibility for one's actions. Making excuses for sin, especially if done with the intention of justification or shirking the burden of responsibility, can indeed be considered a clear instance of self-deception. This is because the individual, instead of honestly confronting their mistake and striving for rectification, attempts to deny or diminish its gravity. The Quran emphasizes that on the Day of Judgment, a person will be a witness against themselves, even if they present excuses and justifications. This concept clearly demonstrates that the innermost layers of human existence are aware of one's deeds, and any attempt to deceive this inner awareness will ultimately be futile. One of the most crucial aspects of this issue is the nature of the 'Nafs' (soul or self) in the Quranic perspective. The Quran speaks of three types of Nafs: the 'Nafs al-Ammara bi'l-Su'' (the soul that inclines to evil), the 'Nafs al-Lawwama' (the self-reproaching soul that blames a person for wrongdoings), and the 'Nafs al-Mutma'inna' (the tranquil soul that has attained peace and certainty). When an individual makes excuses for their sin, they are essentially suppressing the voice of their 'Nafs al-Lawwama' and allowing the 'Nafs al-Ammara' to dominate them. This suppression of conscience is a form of self-deception because the individual, instead of listening to the inner call that invites them to repentance and correction, tries to silence it. This state prevents sincere repentance (Tawbah Nasooh) and a genuine return to God. True repentance requires acknowledging the sin, feeling remorse, and resolving not to repeat it; making excuses contradicts these pillars of repentance. Furthermore, the Quran explicitly mentions those for whom their evil deeds are made to seem fair and beautiful (Zuyyina lahum soo'u a'malihim). This 'beautification' can be orchestrated by Satan or result from an individual's own misinterpretations and internal justifications. Such self-deception distances the person from understanding the reality of their actions and keeps them in a state of heedlessness. When one commits a sin and makes excuses for it, instead of seeking to understand the roots of the sin and reforming themselves, they become trapped in a vicious cycle of justification and repetition. This cycle hinders their spiritual growth and development. The Quran also refers to numerous narratives where individuals attempted to justify their actions or blame others or fate. In the story of Prophet Adam (AS) and Eve (AS), upon committing their mistake, they immediately confessed their sin and sought forgiveness from Allah (Qala Rabbana zhalamna anfusana wa in lam taghfir lana wa tarhamna lanakoonanna min al-khasireen - They said: "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers."). This example serves as a model of honesty and accountability, which stands in stark contrast to excuse-making. From the Quranic perspective, honesty and sincerity (both with God and oneself) are fundamental principles of faith. Making excuses for sin is a form of insincerity that ultimately leads to internal hypocrisy; although it may not reach the degree of overt hypocrisy, its roots can be similar. A person who deceives themselves and refuses to acknowledge their faults effectively blocks the path of guidance for themselves. Numerous verses emphasize that everyone will receive the recompense for their deeds, and no one will bear the burden of another's sin. This principle underscores individual responsibility and renders any attempt to shirk it futile. Instead of making excuses, the Quran calls humanity to repentance, seeking forgiveness (Istighfar), and rectifying one's actions. These are the paths that lead to the purification of the soul and closeness to Allah. In conclusion, while the Quran may not explicitly use the term 'self-deception' regarding excuses for sin, its emphasis on individual accountability, inner sincerity, the role of conscience (Nafs al-Lawwama), and the consequences of justifying improper actions clearly indicates that persistent excuse-making for sins is a serious impediment to spiritual growth, true repentance, and salvation. It is, in essence, a form of self-deception that distances a person from their true self and from God. By offering solutions such as self-awareness, confession of sin, and repentance, the Quran paves the way for liberation from this self-deception and for achieving inner peace and tranquility.