The Sins We Cannot See
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Ibn al-Qayyim makes a surprising claim. The sins of the heart, showing off, arrogance, self-admiration, envy, are more seriously forbidden than many outward sins.
Because when the heart is corrupt, everything built on it becomes corrupt too.
He warns that good deeds can be spoiled in quiet ways. Showing off, which empties a deed of sincerity. Doing worship in a way the Prophet never taught. Feeling that you have done Allah a favour by your good deeds. Or reminding someone of the charity you gave them, which Allah warns can wipe that charity away.
The companions were even warned that raising their voices above the voice of the Prophet could cause their deeds to be lost, without them even noticing.
So a believer must watch two things. What corrupts a deed while doing it, and what can ruin it after it is done.
And yet the same book reminds us, a small deed can become great with a sincere heart. And Allah rewards according to the faith and love that lie behind the deed.
It is not only the size of the deed that matters. It is the size of the heart behind it.
Look back at one good deed you did this week. Did you guard it after you did it?
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