Tradition

مَنْ يَمُوتُ بالذُّنُوبِ أَكْثَرُ مِمَّنْ يَمُوتُ بِالآجالِ وَ مَنْ يَعِيشُ بِالإِحْسانِ أَكْثَرُ مِمَّنْ يَعِيشُ بِالأَعْمارِ

Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) is narrated to have said: “Those who die due to their sins are more than those who die due to their natural life spans. And those who live due to their good actions are more than those who live due to their natural life spans.”1

Brief Commentary

Today, it has been proven that a considerable number of physical diseases have their primary roots in various spiritual problems. Similarly, one of the most important factors of psychological disease can be found in issues related to the conscience and these issues are caused by the commission of sins and the negative effects of these sins on the soul. A sinful person is in reality ‘convicted’ by his soul and he is likewise punished for what he has done. The effects of this punishment can be witnessed on the soul, as well as the physical body. The effects of these sins can even be seen in how and when a person dies!

Similarly, good actions have their own specific effects on the conscience and the soul. These positive actions bring about spiritual wealth and energy and they in turn have an effect on the physical body as well. As a result, they also have an effect on how long a person lives. In conclusion, it can be said that the sins shorten one’s lifespan, while good actions lengthen it.

• 1. Safinat al-Bihar, Mustadrak Al-Wasa’il, vol. 11, p. 327, Al-Amali, p. 305.