Why Don't I Enjoy Abandoning Sin?

“Why don’t I enjoy abandoning sin?” This is a profound and challenging question that many individuals encounter on their spiritual journey. Ostensibly, sins can offer an immediate and deceptive pleasure, but this pleasure is superficial and fleeting, often accompanied by remorse and anxiety. The Holy Quran does not directly answer “Why don’t I enjoy abandoning sin?” in a prescriptive manner, but rather elucidates the nature of sin, its consequences, and the path to true happiness and inner peace. The lack of enjoyment in abandoning sin often stems from worldly attachments, ingrained habits, and the whispers of Satan, who beautifies the apparent pleasures of sin in a person's eyes and conceals its ugly truth. This results from a deviation in spiritual taste, developed through repeated transgressions and moving away from the pure human nature. The Quran teaches us that the human soul (nafs) has various dimensions. At one level, there is the nafs al-ammara bil-su' (the commanding self that inclines to evil), which urges a person towards wrongdoing and desires. This is the aspect that might lean towards sin and initially make abandoning it difficult or unappealing. Material and animalistic pleasures, which sins are often related to, originate from this dimension of the soul. However, at higher levels are the nafs al-lawwama (the self-reproaching soul) and the nafs al-mutmainna (the tranquil soul). Reaching the stage of nafs al-mutmainna, where a person finds peace in the remembrance of Allah and delights in His obedience, requires continuous struggle (mujāhada) and purification of the self from the defilements of sin. This path is gradual and yields fruit with patience and steadfastness. Struggling with the Self and Acquiring Lasting Pleasures The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the necessity of struggling against the lower self and refraining from its desires. Satan is always lying in wait to make sin appear attractive to humans and divert them from the right path. This is precisely what makes abandoning sin seem difficult at first and why one might not feel pleasure in it. However, true and lasting pleasure lies in obedience to Allah and the purification of the heart. This pleasure is not of the material or animalistic kind; rather, it is an inner tranquility, deep satisfaction, and profound sense of contentment that can only be attained by connecting with the source of existence, Allah Almighty. This tranquility is incomparable to any worldly pleasure, and the more one attains it, the more one detests sins. In Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:28), Allah says: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” This verse clearly indicates that real peace and pleasure in the human heart are achieved not through sin, but through the remembrance of Allah. Abandoning sin is a fundamental step towards purifying the heart and preparing it to receive this divine tranquility. This peace is a worldly divine reward for those who abstain from sin. The Process of Purification and Changing Spiritual Taste Initially, abandoning sin might feel like giving up a sweet habit that the body has become accustomed to, similar to a child who is used to unhealthy sweets and initially does not enjoy healthy fruits. However, with the passage of time and persistence in abandoning sins and performing good deeds, a person's spiritual taste changes. The heart becomes more illuminated and gains the capacity to perceive higher and deeper pleasures. This is what the Quran refers to as falah (success/salvation) and tazkiyat al-nafs (purification of the soul). This change in taste signifies spiritual growth and maturity. In Surah Ash-Shams (91:9-10), it is stated: “He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who corrupts it.” These verses explicitly declare that true success and salvation lie in the purification of the soul. This purification involves abstaining from sins and adorning the self with moral virtues. Although this path may initially be accompanied by difficulties and a lack of perceived pleasure, its ultimate outcome is eternal salvation and joy that ultimately leads to the pleasure of Allah Almighty. The Quranic View on Worldly and Hereafterly Pleasures The Quran does not deny worldly pleasures but regards them as transient and perishable. In contrast, it considers pleasures of the Hereafter and spiritual pleasures to be everlasting and superior. Sins are generally associated with immediate and fleeting material pleasures that deprive a person of more lasting and spiritual joys. When a person abandons a sin, they are, in fact, choosing a greater, eternal pleasure over a smaller, transient one. This choice can be difficult at first because the lower self is inclined towards immediate and easier pleasures and lacks the ability to see higher horizons. Furthermore, it should be noted that Satan not only tempts with sin but also tries to discourage humans from doing good deeds and to take away their inner sense of pleasure. Therefore, the feeling of not enjoying abandoning sin can be part of Satanic whispers aimed at leading a person back to sin. The Quran repeatedly mentions Satan's enmity towards humanity and advises individuals to consider him an enemy and resist his temptations. The Role of Patience, Prayer, and Seeking Forgiveness To move past the stage where abandoning sin is not enjoyable, the Quran offers solutions: 1. Patience and Perseverance: Abandoning sin requires patience and steadfastness. Like an athlete who must endure the pain and hardship of training to achieve the pleasure of health and strength. This patience is a person's capital on the path of servitude. 2. Prayer and Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr): Prayer is a direct connection with Allah and strengthens the soul. The remembrance of Allah brings tranquility to the heart and reminds a person of the true purpose of life. “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153). These two powerful tools provide the necessary spiritual strength to overcome temptations. 3. Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar) and Repentance (Tawbah): Regret over past sins and returning to Allah opens a door to divine mercy and purification of the soul. Sincere repentance eliminates the feeling of guilt and creates a fertile ground for experiencing pleasure in obedience. Every repentance is a rebirth. 4. Reflection on the Consequences of Sin and Rewards of Obedience: Contemplating the negative consequences of sin in this world and the Hereafter, as well as the immense divine rewards for the righteous, can strengthen the motivation to abandon sin and reveal its spiritual pleasure. This reflection changes a person's perspective on values and priorities. Ultimately, true enjoyment from abandoning sin is attained when a person deeply understands the concept of “proximity to Allah” (Qurb Ilahi) and realizes that every step away from sin is a step closer to Allah and human perfection. This pleasure manifests not only in inner peace and divine satisfaction but also brings numerous blessings and goodness in worldly life. Purity of heart, clarity of vision, and an inner light that strengthens a person against the darkness of sin are among these blessings. By continuing on the path of purification, a person reaches a stage where they not only do not suffer from abandoning sin but abandoning sin itself becomes a source of pleasure and joy, as their heart is adorned with the light of faith and purity. This journey is not achieved overnight; rather, it requires steadfastness, will, and reliance on Allah. Each time a sin is abandoned, a window of light opens to the heart, and gradually, one's entire being becomes filled with the joy of servitude and closeness to Allah, truly understanding the meaning of life.