EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — The consequences of sin do not always have to wait until the afterlife. Some actions can bring punishment in this world before a person receives their ultimate reckoning in the hereafter. Muslims, therefore, are urged to be mindful of actions that may invite such punishment.
KH Muhyiddin Junaidi, an expert advisor to the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (LHKI), made the remarks during a Friday sermon (2/10). The sermon took place at the At-Tanwir Mosque of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah in Central Jakarta.
“Those who commit these sins may face punishment in this world before the hereafter. In other words, there can be a down payment on punishment rather than having to wait until the Judgement Day,” Muhyiddin said.
He identified at least four sins that Muslims should be wary of because they may bring punishment in this world before the final reckoning in the hereafter.
Zalim (Committing Injustice)
Muhyiddin warned that injustice is among the actions that can invite Allah’s punishment. It is not committed only by people who lack religious knowledge, but can also be committed by those with education, social standing, and power.
One form of injustice that deserves particular attention, he said, is the abuse of trust and public office. Authority that should be used to fulfill a responsibility can instead be misused for personal or group interests.
The issue becomes even more serious when such abuses are committed by educated and powerful individuals. Injustice, therefore, should not be viewed merely as an individual matter for its consequence can extend throughout society.
Allah warns that a people can face destruction because of injustice. Quran 18:59 states that the communities that committed wrongdoing could be destroyed, with their destruction having an appointed time.
Muhyiddin stressed that Muslims should not remain silent when witnessing injustice. Everyone has a moral responsibility to speak the truth and oppose injustice according to their ability.
“If injustice is allowed to continue, we have an individual moral responsibility to speak the truth and oppose injustice in whatever form it takes, whether through writing, speech, sermons, or other means,” he said.
Severing Family and Social Ties
The second sin is severing ties with others. According to Muhyiddin, maintaining good relationships applies not only among Muslims but also to people from different backgrounds.
He explained that various factors can cause people to distance themselves from one another. These include differences in social conditions, economic circumstances, as well as political choices.
Such differences, he said, should not become reasons to sever bonds or brotherhood. Political moments, in particular, can turn differences in political choices into polarization within society.
“Differences in political choices should never make us grow distant from one another. Allah reminds us to maintain our ties even when we support different political parties,” he said.
Differences in political choices, therefore, should not erase bonds of brotherhood in national life. Social ties should be maintained despite differences in political preferences and views.
Disobeying One’s Parents
The third sin is mistreating or disobeying one’s parents. Islam places great importance on honoring parents as a form of obedience, requiring Muslims to be mindful of their words, attitudes, and treatment toward them.
Disobedience can take the form of words or actions that hurt, demean, or strip parents of the respect they deserve. For this reason, relationships with parents should be maintained with respect and compassion.
Giving False Oath
The fourth sin to be avoided is giving false oaths. An oath should not be used to validate something untrue, conceal a lie, or obtain a particular benefit.
Oaths are also closely connected to trust and responsibility, particularly, when someone makes an oath upon taking public office. An oath of office is not merely a part of formal ceremonies. It is a declaration of one’s commitment to carry out a responsibility and fulfill one’s duties properly.
Therefore, when an oath is used to justify a lie or when a responsibility that one has sworn to uphold is abused, the matter involves more than a breach of official duty. It also carries accountability before Allah.
According to Muhyiddin, anyone can commit these four sins, including people who identify as Muslims. A Muslim identity or family background does not automatically protect a person from actions that can lead to sin and punishment.
Faith, therefore, cannot be demonstrated through religious identity alone. It must be reflected in conduct, particularly in honoring trust, maintaining relationships with others, respecting parents, and speaking truthfully.
Muhyiddin reiterated that injustice must not be allowed to continue because its consequences can spread throughout society. Every Muslim has a responsibility to prevent wrongdoing and speak the truth according to their ability.
“If we allow it to continue, we become among those who commit injustice,” he concluded. (taufik)
