Sheikh Ismail Ssebaggala has cautioned Muslims against secret sins, saying they silently undermine the value of good deeds such as prayer, fasting and charity.
Speaking during the Daawa Special programme on Salam TV, Sheikh Ssebaggala said some believers engage in their daily activities without reflecting on Allah’s guidance, a habit he linked to the rise of sins committed away from public view.
“Nowadays, people go about their work without thinking about what Allah says about them. That’s why they commit sins in secret, and it ends up harming their good deeds, like praying without focus,” he said.
The cleric explained that hidden sins create a gap between a person's outward acts of worship and their inner conduct, with some believers assuming they are following Allah’s commands while continuing with concealed wrongdoing.
“When you become addicted to secret sins, Allah makes it difficult for you to do good deeds, and that impacts your whole life,” Sheikh Ssebaggala said.
He said such habits can discourage believers from engaging in acts of worship, including voluntary fasting, Hajj and Umrah, night prayers and supporting those in need.
Sheikh Ssebaggala identified Salah (prayer) as the foundation of a Muslim’s faith, urging believers to perfect their prayers as a pathway to strengthening other acts of worship.
“One of the acts of worship we must perfect is Salah. When we perfect our prayer, perfecting every other good deed becomes easier. Prayer is what leads us to success,” he said.
The Sheikh also warned that persistent secret sins can expose believers to other forms of wrongdoing, including watching pornography and immodest content, which he said distances people from the Quran and acts of devotion.
He encouraged Muslims to avoid hidden wrongdoing, saying overcoming secret sins helps believers resist other temptations.
“If we stay away from hidden sins, avoiding all other sins becomes easier. That’s because we’ll be able to pray properly, and good prayer draws us towards good deeds,” he said.
The Daawa Special programme ended with a call for self-reflection, sincerity in worship and renewed commitment to living in awareness that Allah is always watching.
