How can i stop sinning – A Scholar’s Beautiful Advice
Sometimes, it takes just a few words of sincere advice to change a person’s life. One brother, struggling to quit smoking, once asked a respected scholar for help. His habit had become a daily battle, something he truly wanted to overcome, but couldn’t. The scholar’s response was simple, profound, and rooted in spiritual wisdom. And within days, that man had left smoking behind for good, alhamdulillah.
The Story Behind the Advice
When this man approached the scholar, he was honest about his struggle. “Shaykh,” he said, “I’ve tried to quit smoking so many times, but I always go back. What should I do?”
The scholar looked at him calmly and replied, “Whenever you sin, then pray two rak‘ahs, and by the permission of Allah, Shayṭān will leave you alone.”
That was it. No lecture, no scolding, just this simple, sincere instruction. And within days, the man quit smoking completely. Every time the urge crept in, he remembered the Shaykh’s words. He’d stop, make wudu, and pray two rak‘ahs. Slowly, the temptation faded. Shayṭān couldn’t compete with sincerity and sujood.
What This Advice Really Means
On the surface, it sounds easy, pray two rak‘ahs after sinning. But the wisdom behind it runs deep. Every time a believer sins, Shayṭān wants them to feel hopeless, dirty, too ashamed to turn back to Allah. This advice flips that script completely. It says: every time you fall, run back to Allah immediately. Make that moment of weakness a reason for connection, not despair.
By doing this, the person replaces a bad habit with an act of worship. Instead of giving Shayṭān satisfaction, they frustrate him with obedience. Imagine how quickly a sin loses its hold when every slip turns into a prayer.
Why Two Rak‘ahs Can Change Everything
Prayer isn’t just about movement, it’s about presence. When you pray after a sin, your heart is raw, your soul aware of its need for forgiveness. Those moments are powerful. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant than one of you who finds his camel after losing it in the desert.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2758)
That’s mercy in motion. Two rak‘ahs may take only a few minutes, but they train your heart to react to sin with action. They remind you that Allah is always near, ready to forgive, and that repentance isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.
A Practical Way to Apply This Every Day
You can apply this principle in your own life easily. Every time you slip, whether it’s backbiting, wasting time, or missing a good deed, stop what you’re doing. Perform wudu calmly. Pray two rak‘ahs with full attention. Then, ask Allah to help you resist that sin next time. Over time, this routine reshapes your habits and renews your connection with Allah daily.
Remember, change rarely happens overnight. But consistency, especially when driven by sincerity, works wonders. As the Qur’an says: “Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent and loves those who purify themselves.” (Qur’an 2:222)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it really a sin to smoke?
Many scholars consider smoking haram (forbidden) or at least makruh (strongly disliked) because it harms the body, which is a trust from Allah. The Qur’an prohibits self-harm and wastefulness, both of which apply here.
Why did the scholar tell him to pray two rak‘ahs?
Because prayer brings immediate closeness to Allah. It transforms guilt into repentance and weakens Shayṭān’s influence. It’s not punishment, it’s purification.
Can prayer help break addictions?
Yes. Spiritual discipline builds emotional control. When you replace temptation with prayer, you train your mind and soul to find comfort in remembrance, not indulgence.
What’s the wisdom behind praying after sinning?
It keeps your heart soft. Instead of letting shame turn into despair, it turns it into repentance and hope. You immediately reconnect with Allah instead of running away.
Is there a specific dua to say after sinning?
You can say: “Astaghfirullāha rabbī min kulli dhanbin wa atūbu ilayh” (I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for every sin, and I turn to Him in repentance) (Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1516).
Can this method work for other bad habits?
Absolutely. Whether it’s anger, gossip, or procrastination, any sin or weakness can be treated with repentance and sincere prayer.
Should I tell others about my sins?
No. The Prophet ﷺ said, “All of my ummah will be forgiven except those who publicise their sins.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6069 / Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2990) Keep your repentance private between you and Allah.
What if I sin again after praying?
Then pray again. Never give up. Allah’s mercy doesn’t run out because you fell twice. Every sincere return counts.
How can I maintain consistency in repentance?
Set small spiritual routines, daily istighfar, Qur’an recitation, or prayer after Fajr. Gradual growth keeps the heart attached to goodness.
Is there reward for praying two rak‘ahs after sin?
Yes. It’s an act of repentance and humility. Every sincere sajdah brings you closer to Allah and wipes away past mistakes by His mercy.
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