Page 62 - The Solution To Secret Sorrows

THE SOLUTION TO SECRET SORROWS

experiences as torment.

The Damage Caused by Insincerity
Insincerity is a secret curse that not only makes people's lives
difficult, leading them into misery, but also causes them swift phys-
ical and spiritual harm. Some may not be aware of the harm they
suffer. Assuming that the insincerity they hold inside inflicts no
harm on them, they make insincerity their way of life.
To anyone of pure faith, however, the harm these people suffer
is obvious. Often believers try to explain their situation, call them to
sincerity. However, some people's spiritual state causes them to ap-
proach with the same insincerity those who try to warn them. As a
result, they cannot take advantage of the truths they are told.
We can list some of insincerity's negative effects on people:

Lack of Wisdom
This is one obvious effect of the failure to live by the morality of
the Qur'an. Allah grants wisdom to people only if they have sincere
faith. Other than wisdom, all other talents can be displayed through
intelligence alone. At first glance, an intelligent person may be as-
sumed to have the same characteristics as of a wise one. Indeed, this
is the main reason why so many people err in believing themselves
to be wise. However wisdom is a superior characteristic ensued by
conforming to the Qur'an. Allah speaks of a special type of compre-
hension granted only to those who fear and take refuge in Him:
You who believe! If you fear Allah, He will give you dis-
crimination and erase your bad actions from you and for-
give you. Allah's favor is indeed immense. (Surat al-Anfal:
29)
This comprehension allows people to distinguish right from

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