Is the intense distress felt upon committing a sin, which may lead to abandoning supererogatory prayers, a whispering from Satan to cast a person into despair and abandonment of worship, or is it from Allah to urge the servant to seek forgiveness?
Sins and transgressions cause constriction of the chest (anxiety), turn hearts away from the truth, and lead to missing out on acts of obedience. Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned that among their punishments are the sealing of hearts and hearing, and a veil over the eyes. Al-Ghazali explained that committing sins hardens the heart and prevents one from performing al-Layl (night prayers). Constriction of the chest and neglecting acts of obedience might be consequences of sins or from Satan, who seeks to sadden the believers. Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) expiates sins, removes worries and sorrows, and expands the chest. One must beware of sins, hasten to repent and seek forgiveness, and strive to overcome sadness and not neglect acts of obedience.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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