Hawzah News Agency – Sometimes, a single virus can enter the body and cause paralysis to the entire body. Sometimes a single spark can result in the burning down of an entire area. Sometimes, a single thought of jealousy can turn in to a plot to kill Yousef AS. Sometimes, consuming sinful food1 or the desire to reach a position of governance and power, causes mankind to stoop down to the point of killing Imam Hussein AS.

Generally, each sin is the ground work for a larger one. On this issue, the Qur’an states:

بَلَىٰ مَن كَسَبَ سَيِّئَةً وَأَحَاطَتْ بِهِ خَطِيئَتُهُ فَأُولَـٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ

“Not so; whoso earns evil, and is encompassed by his transgression -- those are the inhabitants of the Fire; there they shall dwell forever.”2

If the curtain of modesty is torn, sinning becomes easy. That’s why in Dua-e-Kumail we read:

اللهم اغفر لى الذنوب التى تهتك العصم

Oh God… please forgive me for those sins I have committed that tear the curtain of chastity and purity.

1. لقمه حرام: This can also include consuming halal food purchased with money that was sinfully obtained.

2. Baqarah 2:81

Taken from "Parables: Important questions & Simple answers" written by Muhsin Qara'ati