Page 18 - Zeal and Enthusiasm in the Qur'an

Zeal and Enthusiasm Described in the Qur’an

The excitement of its members is but a
temporary desire

The concept of zeal peculiar to a society of ignorance is appar-
ent in the fleeting nature of worldly enthusiasm. People may expe-
rience a burst of interest and eagerness towards a certain issue
and then one day lose these feelings abruptly. In a society of igno-
rance almost everyone has launched numerous projects enthusi-
astically. Yet, they quit after a short while simply because of
boredom and unwillingness to continue. For example, most of

those who desire to play a musical instrument soon lose interest
and quit their courses. Someone who is eager to help the needy
and immediately begins charity work may, before long, lose his
zeal and stop the work. Because such people do not really commit
themselves to noble ideals, helping the poor, doing good deeds or
broadening one’s horizons in any given subject prove to be only
passing whims. Living through the day, being able to meet their
immediate needs, and earning the appreciation of other people are
often enough to satisfy these people. Nothing beyond that point

seems meaningful to them. This being the case, they may occa-
sionally give attention to some issues which are unrelated to their
own needs and concerns, but after a short while their interest is
overcome by boredom and monotony.
As long as a person believes his efforts will bring him good and
benefit, his zeal and enthusiasm never abate. Yet none of the aims
pursued by one who turns his back on the hereafter is worthy of

continuous zeal. Encountering the slightest difficulty, failure or crit-
icism, he may suddenly feel tired and daunted and abandon his
goal. Additionally, he may fall into despair. Negative thoughts such

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