Why are some things I like considered sins?

The question you've raised is one of the deepest and most fundamental inquiries many individuals encounter on their spiritual journey. The feeling of liking and being drawn to something is an inherent part of human nature. Humans are naturally attracted to what seems pleasurable or appealing. However, when some of these inclinations conflict with divine teachings and the boundaries set by Almighty Allah for human well-being, the question arises: why? Why has a compassionate Creator, who Himself instilled love within us, deemed some of the very things we desire as forbidden or sinful? The answer to this question must be sought in the infinite divine wisdom, Allah's profound knowledge of His creation, and the ultimate purpose of human existence. Indeed, the Holy Quran explicitly states that human knowledge and insight are very limited compared to divine knowledge. We only perceive a small fraction of realities and are often unaware of the long-term consequences of our actions and choices. Allah Almighty states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216: "...but perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not." This noble verse forms the core of the answer to this question. It may be that what appears attractive and pleasant to us on the surface, in its essence and in the long run, holds severe consequences and profound harms for our soul, body, social relationships, and even our eternal salvation. For instance, fleeting and carnal pleasures outside the divine framework might seem appealing at the moment, but they can lead to the breakdown of families, the spread of psychological and physical ailments, the erosion of human dignity, and detachment from spirituality. Allah, due to His infinite knowledge of all aspects of existence, knows not only the apparent but also the hidden dimensions and consequences of things, and based on this, He has legislated laws that guarantee true human well-being and prosperity. One of the most significant reasons for prohibiting certain matters is to protect humanity from harm. Allah Almighty loves humans and desires their eternal good and well-being. Sins are like poisons that contaminate the human soul and mind, diverting them from the path of perfection and happiness. Divine commands, in reality, act as protectors and guides. For example, the prohibition of intoxicants and gambling is explicitly stated in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 90: "O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." In the subsequent verse (Al-Ma'idah 5:91), the reason for these prohibitions is explained: "Satan only wants to cause animosity and hatred between you through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?" Here, it is clearly shown that sin not only causes individual harm but also damages social relations and human spirituality. These are clear examples of things that might initially be pleasing to some but carry devastating consequences for the individual and society. Furthermore, the system of sin and reward in Islam is an educational system. Worldly life is a field of divine trial and test. Allah created humans with free will and gave them the choice between good and evil paths. This freedom and choice are essential for the divine test. If everything were according to our desires and there were no limitations, then the concept of servitude and obedience would vanish. Our carnal desires (the very things we like) are often drawn towards material and immediate pleasures, whereas the path of perfection and spiritual growth requires patience, perseverance, and sometimes foregoing some of these desires. This foregoing does not mean completely ignoring human desires but rather regulating them within the framework of divine law and logic. The primary purpose of religion is the purification of the soul (tazkiyah al-nafs) and drawing closer to Allah. Sins are veils that prevent humans from achieving this goal. Some things that might be pleasing to us strengthen the 'nafs al-ammarah' (the commanding self that incites evil) and lead humans towards selfishness, greed, arrogance, and other moral vices. In contrast, acts of worship and abstinence from sins help purify the soul and cultivate moral virtues such as patience, gratitude, humility, and altruism in humans. Therefore, divine restrictions and prohibitions are not meant to deprive humans of pleasure but to guide them towards more lasting and profound spiritual and emotional pleasures, and ultimately, eternal bliss. In other words, sins are like obstacles placed in the path of human growth and perfection. Imagine a child wanting to put their hand in fire or consume a poisonous substance; their parents prevent them. This prevention is not out of enmity but out of love and compassion because the parents are aware of the consequences, while the child is not. Similarly, Allah Almighty, our Creator and Sustainer, is aware of all aspects of our being and all dimensions of the universe. He knows what is beneficial for us and what is harmful. Therefore, those inclinations and desires of ours which, if fulfilled, would result in harm to our soul, body, or society, have been defined as sins so that humans may avoid them and be guided towards what is truly good for them. Ultimately, the question, "Why are some things I like considered sins?" finds its answer in "Divine Wisdom." Allah Almighty knows what is best for us, and the laws He has ordained are not intended to arbitrarily restrict our pleasures but to protect our souls and bodies, preserve human dignity, and guide us toward eternal happiness. Accepting this truth requires reliance, submission, and trust in the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord, for He is the "Knower" and we are "unknowing."