Page 25 - Passivity in Religion

What the Passive Aim to Do Among the Muslims

he hopes to attain the best of rewards from Allah.
In order that they may take their time and promote lethargy
among the Muslims, passive people aim to involve Muslims in their
own issues. For this reason, they often bring their personal prob-
lems, most of which are artificially contrived, to the attention of be-
lievers. They distract the believers' attention with their immorality,
attitudes that are incompatible with the Qur'an, and heedlessness.
They strive to retard the progress of the believers' efforts through
various means. Feigning ignorance of the issues they actually un-
derstand, pretending not to hear, wasting time by harping on need-
less details when working on an urgent project, idling hours away,
and being unenthusiastic, represent some of their methods. They
put forward many excuses, and postpone the completion of a task
that needs immediate attention, and spend time on projects of sec-
ondary importance. They repeat the same question, as if they did
not know the answer, or when they are asked to do something, they
demand explanation several times over. The purpose underlying all
these forms of behavior is to exhaust the believers' time, postpone
the completion of good deeds, and set a bad example to others who
have sickness in their hearts.
While creating difficulties for the believers, these people also want
others in Muslim society to behave as themselves. They try to lure
them into inactivity. Some, of weak-character, who are negatively in-
fluenced by their indolence, may intend to cause difficulties for the be-
lievers and take up their time. Failing to assess that which happens
around them in light of the Qur'an, they find nothing wrong with the
negativity of those who try to demoralize the believers. On the con-
trary, they may find it even reasonable to act as they do. However, the
intentions and efforts of those who have become passive, and those
who are influenced by them, can in no way bring any harm to the reli-
gion. On the contrary, it is good for the religion. Both the presence and

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