Why do I feel a sense of freedom after committing a sin?

The feeling of freedom that sometimes arises after committing a sin is a complex phenomenon, appearing paradoxical at first glance. However, from the perspective of Quranic teachings and a deeper understanding of the human psyche, this feeling is not true freedom; rather, it is a deception and an illusion that Satan beautifies. The Holy Quran repeatedly alludes to the deceptive nature of the worldly life and the temptations of Satan. Satan, the clear enemy of humanity, constantly strives to divert people from the straight path and servitude to God through false promises and by making undesirable actions appear appealing. The sense of freedom experienced after a sin is, in reality, a temporary release from moral and religious constraints that the human self sometimes perceives as burdensome. Humans naturally tend to satisfy their instincts and desires, and when a sin is committed, those forbidden or suppressed desires are momentarily gratified. This immediate gratification gives the individual a sense of liberation from limitations and rules, as if a chain has been removed from their foot. This temporary release from the burden of duty and responsibility creates an illusion of freedom. Indeed, Satan makes false promises to humanity and immerses them in vain hopes and delusions, as stated in Surah An-Nisa, verse 120: "He promises them and entices them; but Satan does not promise them except delusion." This verse clearly indicates that Satan's promises, including the false sense of freedom, are nothing but deception and illusion. From a Quranic perspective, sin not only fails to grant true freedom but actually ensnares individuals in new bonds. Every sin darkens the soul and hardens the heart. The Holy Quran states in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, verse 14: "No! Rather, that which they used to earn has covered their hearts." This 'rust' or 'covering' is the spiritual and psychological enslavement that prevents one from perceiving truth and attaining genuine tranquility. Sin places invisible chains on the soul: chains of habit, dependence, anxiety, and remorse. Initially, there might be a sense of release, but soon this feeling is replaced by guilt, regret, and fear of punishment, which is a greater form of bondage. A sinner constantly fears exposure of their sin or divine retribution. This fear and anxiety are never compatible with the true concept of freedom. True freedom, from an Islamic and Quranic viewpoint, is liberation from the servitude of the commanding self (nafs al-ammarah), limitless worldly desires, and Satanic temptations. Genuine freedom is achieved through sincere servitude to Allah and submission to His will. When a person submits themselves to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, they become free from the dominion of everything except God. This servitude is, in essence, freedom itself: freedom from material worries, freedom from the fear of loss, and freedom from envy and malice. The human heart finds peace only in the remembrance of Allah, as stated in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." This tranquility is the pinnacle of freedom and self-sufficiency that every human being seeks. The temporary feeling of freedom after sin is akin to someone escaping from a prison and breathing a sigh of relief for a moment, unaware that they have entered a dangerous desert where greater perils and difficulties await them. However, freedom in servitude to God is like being freed from a swamp and reaching a smooth, safe ground where one can walk peacefully towards their ultimate destination. Therefore, to counter this false sense of freedom, one must reflect on the consequences of sin and gain a deeper understanding of Satan's deceptive nature. It must be recognized that any fleeting pleasure accompanied by disobedience to God will ultimately lead to bondage, enslavement, and regret. True freedom lies in a person, by their own will, freeing themselves from all egoistic and Satanic bonds, and being solely a servant of God. This servitude means reaching the highest degree of human dignity and honor, as one bows before the only Power that is the source of all goodness and the true liberator. The path of piety and righteousness is not a restriction; rather, it is a highway to a meaningful life, full of tranquility, and overflowing with true freedoms that no sin can bestow upon a human being. Ultimately, it must be remembered that everything Satan promises leads to despair and regret in the end, and the only path to salvation and eternal freedom is to follow divine commands and seek refuge in His vast mercy. The temporary feeling of freedom after sin is, in reality, a major trap set by Satan that leads humanity towards eternal bondage, and only through Quranic insight and precise knowledge of the enemy can one escape this trap and achieve lasting peace and true freedom.