Drifting from the Quran
Individuals influenced by a distorted interpretation of Deen are often more drawn to that specific interpretation, which they have accepted as truth, than to the Book of God itself. The reason is quite clear: the Quran’s explanation of Deen aligns with its own concept of Deen, not with any other interpretation. When a person approaches the Quran with an alternative concept, they do not find satisfaction or resonance within its pages. The Quran does not present Deen in the way they envision it, and consequently, they begin to experience a sense of discomfort—an emotion the Quran refers to as ishmi’zaaz[1] (aversion) (Quran, 39:45). On the contrary, he shows great interest in the literature produced under his preferred interpretation. This is because it fully satisfies his emotions. By contrast, he shows great interest in literature based on the interpretation he favors.
You may find some Muslims who, when given books such as Sirat al-Nabi and Uswah al-Sahabah to read, return them without finishing them. In contrast, they read Abdul Haleem Sharar’s “Islamic novels” with such fervor that they can’t rest until they have finished them. The reason is that the vivid, colorful portrayal of Islamic history they prefer is not found in authentic historical works. They are more interested in a version of Islamic history that aligns with their particular preferences rather than actual history itself. Thus, they favor historical novels over pure historical texts.
[1]. The term ishmi’zaaz (disgust) implies a feeling of constriction or repulsion, which is a purely psychological state. It is not always necessary for a person to be fully conscious of this feeling. Such states often emerge in the subconscious, and one becomes aware of them only when they gain a conscious understanding of their error and break free from it. If someone is heavily influenced by another person and has adopted that person’s way of thinking rather than thinking independently, you will find it nearly impossible to convince them that they are caught up in personality worship. Awareness of such a condition usually dawns only when they step out of that mental grip.
