Tenets of Islamic Beliefs; Monotheism/40

Distorted Faith

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Believing in God has positive impacts on both individuals and society. However, the Quran criticizes certain types of faith that fail to harness the positive effects of true belief.

News ID: 3485570

Date: 15 October 2023 - 08:46

In the Quran, various forms of faith and inclinations come under scrutiny:

1. Seasonal or situational faith: Some people cry out to God only in times of danger or crisis, such as when their ship is about to sink. But once their immediate problem is resolved and they reach safety, they turn to other deities and engage in polytheism. “When they embark upon ships, they call to Allah making their religion sincerely His; but when He brings them safe to the land, they associate others with Him.” (Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 65)

2. Imitative faith: Some individuals believe in God simply because they are following in the footsteps of their ancestors without any logical basis. This is akin to the faith of idolaters who justified their beliefs by saying they inherited them from their forebears. “They replied: 'No, but we found our fathers doing so'.” (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, verse 74)

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3. Superficial faith: For some, their faith is merely superficial and hasn't penetrated their hearts and souls. “The Arabs declare: 'We believe.' Say: 'You do not', rather, say: 'We submit,' because belief has not yet found its way into your hearts.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 14)

This type of faith has been compared to a well that only receives water poured from the outside.

4. Faith without action: Despite knowing, these individuals lack the corresponding righteous deeds. The Quran contains numerous verses criticizing such individuals. “Do people think that they are left alone by saying: 'We are believers, ' and will not be tried?” (Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 2)

5. Shaky faith: Some believers exhibit doubt, hesitation, and wavering, waiting for circumstances to sway them in one direction or another. The Quran describes these people as those who worship God outwardly but turn away from religion in times of hardship. “There are among the people such who worship Allah and (yet stand) on the very edge. When goodness comes to him, he is content, but if a trial befalls him he falls upon his face, he loses this world and the Everlasting Life; that is indeed a clear loss.” (Surah Al-Hajj, verse 11)

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6. Borrowed faith: In Usul al-Kafi, there is a chapter called "Bab al-Ma'areen," which refers to those whose faith is borrowed. These individuals may appear religious during their lifetime but leave the world without religion, such as by failing to fulfill religious obligations like Hajj or Zakat.

7. Selective faith: Certain individuals accept only aspects of Islam and the Quran that align with their interests and desires. They disregard elements that don't fit their objectives. “If the right is theirs, they would have hastened to him obediently.” (Surah An-Nur, verse 49) Such people would say: “'We believe in some, and disbelieve in some of them.” (Surah An-Nisa, verse 150)

8. Tactical faith: Several Jewish leaders in Medina plotted to adopt Islam for a short time to deceive and create doubt among the Muslim community. They embraced Islam in the morning and reverted to Judaism in the afternoon, attempting to sow seeds of uncertainty. The Quran advised Muslims not to celebrate their arrival or lament their departure. (Surah Al-Imran, verse 72)