diminished by the time he reached old age, but his oppressive and filthy nafs was not satisfied for him to live the rest of his life with little money. Satan flamed the love of interest in his heart further, seeking for him to gather as much money as possible. It is this very reason that led to him being painfully punished in Ramadan, and that too on the Night of Qadr.”^[1]

A sin is a sin, whether public or private

Dear Islamic brothers, whether done in front of others or when you are completely alone, a sin is a sin no matter what. Allah severely punishes those of His servants who are disobedient. Now think carefully! In the two stories we have just heard, two people who appeared pious would sin in private, and they were afflicted with punishment for this very reason. Now look at us; we openly and publicly commit sins with no shame. What will happen to us? What will be our outcome?

Think over this for a moment! If we keep committing sins until we are eventually placed in our graves, and we are subjected to severe punishment; what will we do? If snakes and scorpions tear our funeral shroud apart and attack our bodies, where will we go? If the walls of our grave are made to draw together, breaking our ribs and making them intertwine with one another; what kind of pain will we experience at that time?

We cannot withstand the smallest of stones hitting us. Now, if angels were to strike us again and again with their hammers, what will become of our weak bodies? All these punishments can come about if we displease Allah by performing sins; contemplate over this deeply. Reflect over this reality. Now, decide for yourself; is it easier for us to avoid sins or face these punishments?