Page 79 - Passivity in Religion

The Characteristics of the Passive

carry out certain tasks. Allah tells us in the Qur'an about the char-
acter of these hypocrites:
When you see them, their outward form appeals to you,
and if they speak you listen to what they say. But they are
like propped-up planks of wood... (Surat al-Munafiqun, 4)
However, sincerity is one thing that cannot be imitated. A per-
son's outer aspects can be imitated, but sincerity cannot; it can
only be found in a person who nurtures it in his heart. For this rea-
son, a person's true character can be seen only by Muslims, in
using the Qur'an as their guide. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us that
there were people in the days of our Prophet (saas), who were de-
liberately indolent in their practice of religious morality. They im-
itated Muslims, and were even able to find their way into the
inner-circle of Prophet Muhammad (saas). Allah has stated that,
when He willed, He would make these people known to the
Prophet (saas):
If We wished, We would show them to you and you would
know them by their mark and know them by their ambiva-
lent speech... (Surah Muhammad, 30)
While they try to falsely put themselves forth as sincere
Muslims, a tempest is unleashed inside of them. It is torturous for
them to have to constantly pretend to live a truth they do not ac-
knowledge in their hearts. It is trying indeed for those, who har-
bor a deep resentment of the Muslims, to say their prayers, even
for show, to speak edifying words and appear humble, to feign
love, or to desire to do good works on behalf of Muslims and
Islam. Yet, because they think it is to their advantage, they will not
abandon the false pretenses they have imparted upon themselves
until it conflicts with their own self-interests. But, when they en-
counter a difficulty that challenges these interests, they are no
longer able to pretend, and their character comes to light. When
they see that they have not gained what they had hoped for, they

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