Shaping Religion to One’s Mind
When a person is shaped by a particular interpretation, they begin to see every issue in its light. For example, politics is undoubtedly a component of Deen, but if one elevates it from its rightful place to a central position and interprets Deen in such a way that political revolution appears to be the ultimate goal of the Islamic movement, this shift will certainly alter one’s way of thinking. Consequently, every other aspect of Deen will be understood in relation to this central political concept. No part of Deen will seem comprehensible until it is connected to the overarching idea of politics.
In this mindset, even salah (prayer) may transform into a mere “training supplement” intended to prepare political activists for the cause of Islam. If a Muslim were to find himself alone on a deserted island, a person influenced by this philosophy might struggle to understand why prayer would even be necessary in such a situation.
A person confined to this specific mindset will instinctively try to find answers to every question within the realm of political terminology. Such a person cannot be satisfied with any explanation of an aspect of Islam that lacks a political tone. For instance, if you notice a lack of enthusiasm among Islamic workers, an absence of longing for God, or lack of tears shed for His sake, you would likely attribute it to the lack of political engagement in their lives. Your best advice would be to introduce programs that involve confronting the political powers of the time.
Certainly, moments of confrontation can occur in a believer’s life. However, there are other, more effective and accessible ways to foster a sincere desire for Islam: studying the Quran, contemplating God’s signs in the universe, praying deeply, enduring fasting with patience, waking at night to worship instead of sleeping, giving charity despite personal hardships, and sacrificing one’s desires, habits, and comforts for the hereafter. Many such opportunities are always available anywhere and anytime.
Each of these actions holds tremendous potential to stir one’s heart. But you have been deprived of these simply because you have absorbed a self-constructed interpretation of Deen in your mind. This skewed perspective has led you to see Islam from a distorted angle, causing you to overlook the spiritual domains where God’s angels continuously distribute boundless nourishment for faith. Consequently, afflicted with insensitivity and stagnation, you find yourself lamenting that your leaders do not provide you with a revolutionary program to revive and energize you.
The result of a distorted understanding of the Quran’s message is that one begins to see the entire Quran in a different light. Psychologically, this leads to an attachment only to those verses or interpretations that align with one’s preconceived notion, while other verses or alternative interpretations are mentally sidelined and do not hold the place they deserve.
Although one cannot see into another’s mind, this mindset can certainly be observed in outward behavior. I have seen individuals who, when presented with a proposal to enhance the effectiveness of Islamic work—such as launching a daily newspaper to overcome certain challenges—quickly appreciate its importance. They readily understand the value of financially supporting media to further their message, or even purchasing skills from the market to achieve their goals.
However, they struggle to comprehend the idea that “seek help in prayer to become a true caller to faith” or “prepare yourself for impactful missionary work through standing in prayer at night.” Even when clear Quranic verses are recited to them, they dismiss these suggestions, saying, “That sounds like Sufism.” They embody the mindset of those who say, “Bring a Quran other than this, or change it.”
