Page 77 - Zeal and Enthusiasm in the Qur'an

THE INDIFFERENCE OF THOSE WHOSE

FAITH IS NOT ASSURED

It was stated earlier that the faith of everyone who says, "I be-
lieve" is not the same. In this section the indifferent state of mind of
people who do not have faith in the real sense is examined. A lack
of true commitment is something consequential to weakness of

faith. Before proceeding with this topic, the reasons for these dif-
ferences can be clarified by looking at how Allah identifies such
people, their viewpoints on religion, and their purposes in life.

Those whose faith is not assured
In the Qur’an such people are also called "those in whose
hearts is a disease," "hypocrites," "those who hold back" or
"those who stay behind." It may be observed that they belong nei-
ther completely to the society of ignorance nor to the Islamic soci-

ety, as stated in the following verses:
"They are neither of you nor of them." 110
"...Wavering between them, belonging neither to these [i.e.,
the believers] nor to those [i.e., the unbelievers]." 111

However, it is noteworthy that such people generally live among
Muslims. Their appearance, lifestyle and some of their attitudes re-
semble those of believers. The truth is, however, that they are not
really like them because the most distinct characteristic of believ-

75