Page 12 - Passivity in Religion

Introduction

The dictionary defines passive as "not active or not participat-
ing perceptibly in an activity, organization, etc." and "inert." When
one refers to another as a "passive person," he means someone who
lacks zeal, who is not concerned with the outside-world, or with
the problems and trials of others, and who makes no effort to seek
solutions to their problems. One who is passive lives unto himself,
immersed in his own little world. This book explores the nature of
this human type, one who consciously adopts this lack of commit-
ment, a degree of moral depravity which he then tries to impart to
the rest of the community. When commenting on this sort of char-
acter, we will refer to him as a "passive" person, that is, "one who
advocates passivity."
Some, among the Muslims, are of a temper that is contrary to
the zeal and enthusiasm expected of the believers. Far from feeling
the motivation endowed by faith, and believers' inner contentment
and peace, these people lead dull and selfish lives. They are loath to
involve themselves in any attempt to live according to the morality
of Islam, but watch such efforts instead from a distance, being re-
luctant to grasp Allah's greatness, and to adopt the higher princi-
ples espoused in the Qur'an. Vitality is found neither in that which
they do, nor in their understanding of faith.
They are devoid of those attributes of moral perfection that
please Allah, such as loving-kindness, sincerity, and loyalty. With

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