Page 56 - Passivity in Religion

PASSIVITY IN RELIGION

When the hypocrites come to you they say, "We bear wit-
ness that you are indeed the messenger of Allah." Allah
knows that you are indeed His messenger and Allah bears
witness that the hypocrites are certainly liars. (Surat al-
Munafiqun, 1)
In spite of the fact that these people were close acquaintances
of the Prophet (saas), and knew the Qur'an, they did not believe
in their hearts that he was Allah's messenger. But, in order to hide
what they really thought from the Muslims, and to seek to derive
material advantage from them, they felt no qualms in lying to the
Prophet (saas).
These people are always the last in patience, humility, self-sac-
rifice, generosity, loyalty, and other such Muslim traits. Their
character, reactions and habits reflect their remoteness from the
religion. For example, even though they know the meaning of hu-
mility, they are arrogant, content in their own ways, and those
with whom one would rarely be able to engage in sincere dia-
logue. They know they ought to be patient, but act superficially
and impatiently, unwilling to wait and always expecting immedi-
ate gratification of their demands. Likewise, although they know
how one ought to be who trusts in Allah, and know that they are
to be submissive to destiny, they are constantly apprehensive
about it, unwilling to await the outcome of an event, and unable
to see the positive aspects in that which they experience. They
easily become panic stricken and overwhelmed with doubt and
fear. It is clear from these reactions of theirs that they do not un-
derstand that Allah holds absolute control over everything that
happens.
In all things, the basis of a proper moral character is obedience
of one's conscience, this being a characteristic of Muslims. Those
who are passive and live among Muslims, however, do not prop-

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