The Damage Caused by Insincerity (Material and Spiritual Impurity)

In this verse of the Qur'an, we are told of another form of harm that insincerity inflicts people: "... He casts uncleanness on those who do not use their intellect." (Surah Yunus: 100)

Allah repays those who do not exercise their consciences or remain sincere to Allah, with a curse described in the Qur'an as "uncleanness." In one verse, Allah reveals, "But as for those with sickness in their hearts, it adds uncleanness to their uncleanness, and they die while they are unbelievers" (Surat at-Tawba: 125).

By Allah's will, this can be seen in people in the form of both physical and spiritual impurity. If He wishes, such people may indeed take on a dirty appearance. The lack of tranquility and stress they experience may cause their skin to deteriorate much faster than normal and also cause bad breath and body odors.

Meanwhile, even if these people take all physical precautions and take great care in their personal hygiene, they cannot save themselves from spiritual impurity, and always give the impression of being dirty.

Of course, this is an impression created by Allah as a return for their insincerity. No matter how clean they may be, even sitting where they have sat, sharing their food and handling objects they have previously touched may disturb others.

This can in turn become a source of inner distress for them. Such people have forgotten Allah and chosen to pursue the approval of others. But the very people whose goodwill they sought, now avoid them and look down on them.

This is a secret curse with which Allah afflicts people who do not live in the true faith, even though their consciences tell them to do so.