Page 23 - Passivity in Religion

What the Passive Aim to Do Among the Muslims

life is compared to that of a sincere believer, who conforms to the
guidance of his conscience at all times—from the most trivial to the
most important—their condition is deficient.
The criterion for a person of faith is Allah's consent. The purpose
of the passive people, however, is to deceive others without detri-
ment to their own interests. Merely to be seen as a religious person,
who pays attention to a number of responsibilities, is sufficient for
such people. To this end, they may fulfill their salat (prayers), fast,
give alms to the needy from time to time, or comply with other so-
cial obligations. However, they at no time participate in the intellec-
tual struggle for the sake of Allah, and avoid activities that require
them to exercise their wisdom and insight.
They devote themselves to deriving the maximum benefit by ex-
erting the minimum effort. They also promote this type of thinking
of theirs to others around them. Undoubtedly, what they consider
as benefit is truly trivial. Rather, one who is willing to engage in
good deeds for Allah's sake conducts himself with conscience. Allah
informs us that those who think it of benefit to themselves to de-
ceive others, and take advantage of them, are in a great self-delu-
sion. Our Lord says:
They think they deceive Allah and those who believe. They
deceive no one but themselves but they are not aware of it.
(Surat al-Baqara, 9)
The sincere believers, on the other hand, devote all their re-
sources to spread the moral perfection described in the Qur'an. One
of the most significant criteria of sincere faith and obedience to the
messenger is one's zeal, enthusiasm and ability to render self-sacri-
fices. Aware that pleasing Allah is the real goal, Muslims are guided
by their conscience; they exercise their conscience in their jobs or
schools, when shopping, eating or chatting. This careful attention
enhances their wisdom, compassion, mercifulness and modesty.

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