The Hidden Sins That Harm the Soul

As-salamu alaykum. Allah the Almighty says: “They conceal [their evil intentions and deeds] from the people, but they cannot conceal [them] from Allah, and He is with them when they spend the night in such as He does not accept of speech. And ever is Allah, of what they do, encompassing.” (Surah An-Nisa: 108) And He also says: “That Day, you will be exhibited [for judgment]; not hidden among you is anything concealed.” (Surah Al-Haqqah: 18) What I mean by “sins of solitude” are the private slips and secret temptations people face when no one’s watching. You look right, left, forward, back… but forget to look up toward the Heavens. Many fall into wrongs when they’re alone and think no one knows. Allah reminds us: “…But Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers.” (Surah At-Tawbah: 13) And: “Or do those who commit evils think We will make them like those who have believed and done righteous deeds - [make them] equal in their life and their death? Evil is that which they judge.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah: 21) The Prophet (ﷺ) warned about people who appear righteous outwardly but are undone by hidden sins. He said there will be people whose good deeds seem huge but are turned to dust because they sinned in private. When asked who they are, he ﷺ explained they are among the community, people who pray at night like you do, yet when alone they commit what Allah forbids. (As-Silsilah As-Sahihah) Ibn Rajab (rahimahullah) noted that a bad end often comes from a hidden defect in the servant that others don’t see. Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) added that a sign of true understanding is fearing that one’s sins may deceive them at death and ruin a good ending. A short duʿa to keep on your lips: “O Allah, grant us a fear of You that stands between us and disobedience.” May Allah keep us sincere and protect our hearts from falling into secret sins. Ameen.