Page 13 - Passivity in Religion

Introduction

their lack of enthusiasm and passivity, which they deliberately
make apparent, they are aloof, insensitive and overly formal, and
are those with whom it is impossible to establish close bonds.
Above all else, they are lacking in fear of Allah, being instead
highly prone to treachery. Allah informs us about these character
traits in the following verse;
Among you there are people who lag behind, and if you en-
counter a setback then they say, "Allah has blessed me in
that I was not there with them." (Surat an-Nisa’, 72)
In several other verses, Allah introduces us to these people, as
those who strive to wreak the zeal of the Muslims, in communicat-
ing the morality explained in the Qur'an, by "lagging behind."
These verses provide important information that will help us per-
ceive the real intentions behind their suspect aloofness.
Such people, who aim to demoralize the Muslims, while living
amongst them, may maintain they believe, but exhibit the attitudes
of the hypocrites and those with a sickness in their hearts. Or, they
may be of weak faith, and have not properly grasped its meaning,
and failed to justly assess Allah. Despite being among believers,
these people are deficient in their understanding of the morality of
Islam, and how to live by it, and wish too for other Muslims to be-
have as they do. Apart from these, among the unbelievers and
those who are ignorant of religion, there may also be found such
who make every effort to undermine the Muslims' resolve and
morale. These people will act openly or furtively to accomplish
their aims. For instance, the hypocrites, and those with a disease in
their hearts, may cooperate with the unbelievers against the believ-
ers. Their goal, ultimately, is to harm the believers. And, through
devious insinuations, by being negative in speech or in action, they
may aim deceptively to demoralize the believers.
Nevertheless, these people often have certain characteristics in

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