The Damage Caused by Insincerity (Spiritual and Physical Lethargy)

Another harm brought by insincerity, this weariness results from the pressure they place upon themselves by knowingly ignoring their conscience. The spiritual torment produced by a troubled conscience deeply affects both their spiritual state and physical functions.

Even if such people live in the most comfortable homes, acquire everything they want, live among people with moral perfection and possess the highest levels of health and beauty, they still cannot be rescued from this trouble. They cannot enjoy as they should any of the blessings around them.

Neither a delicious meal, nor candid talk of a friend, nor a beautiful landscape give them any pleasure. Deep inside, they feel grief in environments where others laugh and enjoy themselves. No matter how they imitate the happiness and cheer of those around them, their inner spiritual torment never leaves them, not for a moment.

Never can they experience the cheerfulness or tranquility that others feel. They can achieve these only through special efforts of will and concentration. As a result they always feel a weariness that causes them to live in a kind of stupor even when their bodies are awake. The way they look at things clearly express their weariness.

Their eyes are open, but have a dull and torpid look, and they are far from the signs of alertness apparent in a believer.

The weariness caused by this spiritual pressure also has major physical effects. Such people lack keen perception, speech, coordination and other skills. They are physically capable, but the pressure and dullness in their brains prevent them from leading a normal life.

At a subconscious level, they always feel the discomfort stemming from a troubled conscience. As long as they fail to resolve this unrest, they cannot feel at ease.

In the Qur'an, Allah describes the troubled spiritual state of such people who have not fully placed faith in their hearts as follows:

[He said,] "But if anyone turns away from My reminder, his life will be a dark and narrow one and on the Day of Resurrection We will gather him blind." (Surah Ta Ha: 124)