Sin—often discussed yet rarely faced openly—was like a splinter lodged in my mind. Whenever I tried to talk to someone about it, they would recite the same memorized clichés. But I already knew those things. If you’re only going to tell me what I already know, what’s the point in asking?
Then I remembered him—a dear friend I hadn’t spoken to in a long time. I found his number and called. He answered warmly, as if no time had passed. We met in Copenhagen the following week, and walked to Tivoli Gardens. Our tea was ready. “Let’s begin. May what we speak be healing. Ameen,” he said.
“Why, are we sick?”
“Sins are eternal diseases in the life to come; and even in this worldly life, they are spiritual illnesses for the heart, conscience, and soul.” —Master Nursi
That’s why healing is needed—for our faces to smile again. Let’s begin with an intention, because you know how important that is.
I intend, for the sake of Allah, to find healing from the illness of sin. Ameen.
Let me tell you, and you take notes, alright? We’ll tackle healing step by step:
Start your day with intention: Each morning, either silently or aloud, say: “O Lord! Today I want to live in accordance with Your will, avoid sins, and be a beneficial servant. I seek refuge in You from the evil of my ego and Satan.”
Our daily invocation: Lā ilāha illā anta, subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn.
Say “Astaghfirullah” throughout the day, seeking protection.
Give secret charity.
Be friends with righteous people.
Do a daily self-check before bed: “Where did I go wrong, and where did I grow today?”
Know your weaknesses: Honestly identify which sins you are inclined toward.
Reflect on death and the afterlife—reminding yourself this world is temporary.
“Faith makes a man truly human—perhaps even a sultan.” — Master Nursi.
Think on this a few minutes: Who am I? Why was I created? What path does faith call me to?
Speak to your ego: “O ego! There is death, the grave, the gathering, and judgment… Even if sin seems sweet, it is poisoned. It brings torment in both this world and the next. Salvation lies in realizing this truth.”
Before bed, ask: “What did I do today for the sake of Allah? And what did I neglect?”
What you see, hear, or the music you listen to affects you deeply. Be selective. You are precious—only let the precious into your heart.
“I know all this, but sin is very tempting, especially when it’s become a habit.”
You’re absolutely right.
Even saying this is valuable—recognizing sin’s allure is the first step in truly fighting it.
If sins weren’t attractive, the test of life wouldn’t hold meaning. Satan exploits that allure; the ego seizes the opportunity. But when you resist—that struggle becomes your most precious worship.
Said Nursi says: “In times like these, abstaining from even one sin amid the onslaught of thousands becomes equivalent to fulfilling hundreds of obligations.” —Kastamonu Addendum (Kastamonu Lahikası)
A habit means the sin has embedded itself in your heart. But the key is to tear through heedlessness and always keep the door of repentance open.
What can you do?
Stop fighting the habit—start managing it. Everyone makes mistakes. But every moment you can say, “I can skip it today,” brings you closer to freedom.
You may not sin every day, but your ego whispers daily. Just once, say “No.” That “No” is the first link in breaking the chain. Say it: NO. NO. NO.
A sin might bring five minutes of relief, but leaves you with five hours, five days—or a lifetime—of regret.
Your soul is pure, your heart sensitive. Your conscience does not accept it.
If a sinner repents afterward, the sin turns into reward—not punishment.
No matter how far you fall, every time you turn to Allah, you win.
Allah opens His door the thousand-and-first time—even after a thousand falls. He loves those who repent and purify themselves.
Many walk this same path. You are not alone. Millions share this struggle.
“You are still Allah’s servant. He still loves you. Just begin again.”
Ask yourself: “Who am I? What is my true worth? Do I want to be a sultan—noble, respected, loved?”
Say to your ego: “O my ego, that sin you crave is like poisoned honey—it harms you even if it tastes sweet.”
Even once, postpone that habitual sin. Say: “Not now.” Just say it—and move on. Even one moment gained is a huge win.
“I may be at fault, but I have a Lord who wants me to return to Him.”
Astaghfirullah al-‘Azim. Even if I fall a thousand times, Allah is merciful enough to lift me up the thousand-and-first.
Write in your journal or heart today: “I want to give up this sin because…” Finding your reason makes you stronger.
Look at your friends: “Who I spend time with becomes reflected in my heart—I absorb their color, their energy.”
That’s okay. Even letting go of part of it is valuable. “Today’s small progress is tomorrow’s victory.”
The fleeting pleasure of sin—or eternal peace? Isn’t it time to choose?
“Ya Wadud.” Allah loves you. Remember that you love Him too. “I love Allah. And because I love Him, I want to reduce this sin.”
Night is often when sin is most tempting… But it’s also the perfect time to turn to Allah.
Nighttime prayer: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my ego and the evil of my Satan.”
Before bed, recite silently for 3 minutes: “Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh.” This helps guard your spirit during moments of solitude and vulnerability.
Feeling tempted at night? What to do?
Immediately get up and make ablution (wudu). That one move is a powerful strike against sin. Then pray a simple two-unit repentance prayer:
“O Allah, help me tonight. I complain of my ego to You. Draw me near to You in this night’s darkness—not to sin.”
“Tonight, I want to please You, not myself.”
Put this on your pillow, desk, or phone screen. Let it whisper to your heart when you forget.
While you struggle, Allah sees you and loves you. The angels applaud you. You’ve taken the step—now trust in your Lord’s mercy.
“Committing a sin doesn’t make you completely bad. Giving it up is what makes you beautiful.”
God willing, we’ll meet again someday in Tivoli Gardens. If you ever want to share or talk, I’m here. Tonight, I’ll include you in my prayers.
And if only once tonight, just say:
“O Lord, I’m resisting tonight for Your sake. Please protect my heart.”
May Allah grant you strength, peace, and steadfastness. Good night, my brother… May Allah grant peace to your heart.
