Zeal and Enthusiasm Described in the Qur'an: Consequences Resulting from Deeds Done Unenthusiastically and Reluctantly

A majority of people consider the indifference many display towards living by the principles of Islam as an ordinary state of affairs. That is why they do not strive to eliminate this attitude. Indeed, they do not perceive it as a danger, which can drag one to a great loss for all eternity. But in the Qur’an, Allah draws attention to this disease and warns people against its danger. In the hereafter no one will have the chance to make up for the loss his indifference caused. It will be useful here to outline some of the losses people face due to indifference.

In the Qur’an, Allah says: "And Allah will surely support those who support Him [i.e., His cause]. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might."

Allah is the protector of those who eagerly hold fast to the religion and put their hearts into obtaining the good pleasure of Allah. Thus, those who think that withholding or lagging behind is more advantageous will be bereft of Allah’s support. Such people fail to exercise wisdom or display a clearness of conscience. They cannot sustain the enthusiasm dependent upon sincere faith. Since they observe some Qur’anic ordinances and disregard others, they are not guided to the right path. Their decisions and behaviors are based on ignorant rationales that will never help them to attain true success.

The indifference in their hearts puts them into an idle and negligent state of mind. They become lazy, and since they do not make a serious effort toward the deeds that earn paradise, they never complete a task in good time. They have no reason to be in a hurry or to expend physical or mental energy. If they face a problem, they fail to confront it with determination although they might have the ability to find many solutions. In brief, the works of unenthusiastic people are generally unproductive and unfruitful. Whatever excuses they make for it, the reality is that they do not feel the zeal and excitement of faith. Let it be remembered, however, that people with such a disease do the most harm to themselves because apart from what they lose in the life of this world, they will also be disappointed in the hereafter. Then they will regret that they had not been among the foremost: "Those will have lost who deny the meeting with Allah, until when the Hour [of resurrection] comes upon them unexpectedly, they will say, ‘Oh, [how great is] our regret over what we neglected concerning it,’ while they bear their burdens [i.e., sins] on their backs. Unquestionably, evil is that which they bear."

In the hereafter they will see that what they had undertaken superficially or avoided completely has brought them loss. Similarly, they will witness that whatever they did accomplish was of no avail since they failed to understand the importance of earning Allah’s acceptance and did not put forth the required effort for that. In short, all that they have done will be in vain.

"And those who believe will say, ‘Are these the ones who swore by Allah their strongest oaths that indeed they were with you?’ Their deeds have become worthless, and they have become losers."

"That is because they followed what angered Allah and disliked [what earns] His pleasure, so He rendered worthless their deeds."

"Indeed, those who disbelieved and averted [people] from the path of Allah and opposed the Messenger after guidance had become clear to them – never will they harm Allah at all, and He will render worthless their deeds."

"Some faces, that Day, will be humbled. They had been working hard and exhausted."

Furthermore, at the time of judgement those people might possibly receive their records in their left hand although they had expected it in the right. They supposed that being among believers in the life of this world would bring them salvation in the hereafter. However, as mentioned earlier, every individual will be given an account of his deeds individually in Allah’s Presence. The zeal and good works of others will have brought him no good. That day the once indifferent people will call out to believers: "… Were we not with you? …"131 But they will be told: "Read your record. Sufficient is yourself against you this Day as accountant."

Then they will see the truth of what they accomplished and realize all they had neglected. Then they will acknowledge that they truly deserve whatever recompense they will receive.

THE WAY TO OVERCOME LACK OF ENTHUSIASM