Causes of Corruption in Belief

The reasons behind the corruption of Islamic belief can be outlined through several aspects, which include:

First Reason: Ignorance

Ignorance of the correct belief is one of the most significant causes of its corruption. If an individual grows up without learning about the correct essence of belief and matures without paying attention to it, he may easily fall into doubts and misguidance that can completely distort his faith.

The misguided ignorant person may draw many other ignorant individuals to follow him. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, Allah does not seize knowledge by taking it away from the servants, but He takes knowledge by taking away the scholars. When there are no scholars left, people will take ignorant leaders, and when they are asked, they will give rulings without knowledge, leading themselves and others astray.”

Second Reason: Sectarianism and Close-mindedness

This occurs when individuals cling to customs and traditions that contradict their belief, which are passed down through generations. The Noble Qur’an alludes to this in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah says: “And when it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow that upon which we found our forefathers.’ Even if their forefathers understood nothing and were not guided?”

Third Reason: Blind Imitation

This refers to accepting belief from individuals or groups without verification of the validity of these ideas or examining their evidences.

Fourth Reason: Neglecting Reflection on Allah’s Signs

Allah has created abundant cosmic signs and living miracles for us to derive evidence of His existence and the magnificence of His power and perfection.

Undoubtedly, neglecting to reflect on these signs while glorifying human achievements can lead to a detrimental impact on a Muslim’s heart. A person acts based on the insight and intelligence granted to him by Allah, so it is inappropriate to overemphasize human creations over those of the Creator. Human efforts can never match the perfection of creating even the wing of a mosquito.

The Qur’an mentions this negligent group concerning their reflection on Allah’s signs in Surah Al-Qasas through the words of Qarun from the people of Moses: “He said, ‘I have been given it only because of knowledge I have.’ But did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him of the generations those who were greater than him in strength and greater in accumulation?”

Fifth Reason: Lack of Proper Guidance from Parents

The responsibility of teaching correct beliefs primarily falls on the shoulders of parents, as they plant the seeds of knowledge in their children’s minds. If they neglect this duty, the child may grow up without seeking the truth and may fall victim to doubts and trials. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “Every newborn is born with a pure instinct, then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.”

Sixth Reason: Innovation in Religion

Innovation means altering something within the religion, and undoubtedly, falling into it can lead to deviation from the pure Islamic methodology. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) warned us against following innovations, saying: “Beware of newly invented matters, for every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance leads to Hellfire.”

Seventh Reason: Following Desires

This is when a person worships his whims without resisting them or attempting to correct his path. He aimlessly indulges in his desires without constraints or limitations. The Qur’an indicates this in the verse: “Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire and Allah has led him astray due to knowledge, and set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put a cover upon his sight? Who can guide him after Allah? Will you not be reminded?”

Eighth Reason: Prioritizing Reason over Revelation

This manifests when an individual makes reason the sole criterion for validating rulings, accepting only what aligns with his intellect from the Qur’an and Sunnah, while discarding what he finds displeasing. Although we know that reason is a blessing and Islamic law accords with rational principles, there are fundamental beliefs and divine attributes that must be accepted as they are, such as matters of the unseen, characteristics of Allah, and specifics of practices like prayer and inheritance.

Ninth Reason: The Spread of Hypocrites Among Muslims

Hypocrisy is one of the most dangerous maladies that can afflict the Muslim community. Islam has faced this challenge throughout history, beginning in the era of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). These hypocrites profess faith while secretly harboring disbelief, causing discord and instilling doubt among the believers.

Consequences of Belief Corruption

Corruption in belief has profound effects on both society and individual Muslims, including:

First: The Individual’s Loss and Confusion

Corruption in belief can lead the individual into misunderstanding the very fundamentals of existence, allowing the devil to infiltrate their mind with doubt and delusion.

This ultimately results in a loss of motivation and passion for life, prompting the individual to question the significance of their existence, leading to despair of Allah’s mercy and turning away from His remembrance. The most serious consequence of such corruption may unfortunately lead to suicidal thoughts and depression, which we increasingly hear about in various societies.

Second: The Destruction of Society

The actions of individuals should be directed towards noble goals rooted in their beliefs, which define their purpose on Earth. Deviation in belief leads to distortions in these pursuits, leaving society devoid of morality and purpose, which only brings about unhappiness. Material gain cannot satisfy the spiritual thirst within a person, leading to insatiable desires that ultimately destroy both oneself and society.

Third: Its Reflection on Individuals’ Actions

Belief is not merely a heart conviction restricted to the endorsement of certain ideas; it establishes a spiritual and mental foundation that impacts a person’s actions and daily life.

A believer with sound beliefs is assured that whatever befalls him, whether good or bad, comes from Allah and that he will be rewarded for exercising patience during trials. For him, injustice is temporary, allowing him to live in peace and contentment with what Allah has provided. In contrast, one with corrupt beliefs is consumed by doubt, performing acts of worship with reservations, often expressing dissatisfaction with Allah’s decrees.

Fourth: Corruption in Belief May Lead to Polytheism

If a Muslim’s belief becomes corrupted, it can lead to major polytheism related to Allah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari: “I have been commanded to fight against people until they testify that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, and they establish prayer and pay zakat. If they do that, they have protected their lives and properties from me.”

Sixth: Neglecting the Teaching of Correct Belief Leads to Fitnah and Division
Seventh: Corruption in Belief Attracts a Bad End

In their inattentiveness, they may believe they are doing good, but the Qur’an tells of those who assume they are right while they are in error, stating: “Say, ‘Shall we inform you of the biggest losers in deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this world while they thought they were acquiring good by their actions.'”

Eighth: The Spread of Corruption in Belief Among Community Members, Including Educated Individuals, Can Lead to Misguided Interpretations of Faith

Solutions to Overcome the Corruption of Belief

Throughout time and across various contexts, scholars have proposed numerous solutions to address corruption in belief. Here are some key solutions:

First Solution: Sound Doctrinal Education

The fundamental solution to issues of doctrinal deviation lies in rectifying beliefs through correct doctrinal education, following the example set by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in teaching his esteemed companions.

Second Solution: Adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah

Within the Qur’an and the prophetic tradition lies a comprehensive explanation of the fundamentals of Islamic belief. Anyone who truly seeks clarity will find answers to his questions therein. Those wishing to discover the truth should delve into studying these primary sources.

Third Solution: Implementing Divine Rulings

The Islamic sharia is relevant for all times and places, and it establishes justice, safety, and security.

Fourth Solution: Concern from Authorities Regarding Religious Matters

Authorities possess the power and means that others do not. If they take a keen interest and make efforts towards nurturing religion and establishing sound belief among the people, they will achieve significant benefits.

Fifth Solution: Unity Among Scholars, Preachers, and Righteous Individuals in Combating Fitnah and Doubts

It is essential to oppose those who spread destructive ideas and foment discord among Muslims.

Sixth Solution: Strengthening the Family in Correct Belief

The family is the cornerstone of society. If parents successfully instill sound beliefs within their children, it will bear significant positive outcomes.

Seventh Solution: Enhancing Teaching Sessions on Belief for the General Public

Disregarding these educational sessions is not permissible; encouragement for holding belief teaching gatherings is essential to answer public inquiries with transparency and objectivity, preventing fundamental questions from transforming into deep-seated doubts later on. Correcting such inquiries when they remain questions is far easier than rectifying them after they have evolved into beliefs that gradually undermine one’s faith.

The Importance of Healthy Belief for an Individual

The importance of Islamic belief can be summarized as follows:

All messengers (peace be upon them) were sent to advocate for the correct belief.
The primary purpose of creating both jinn and humans is to fulfill servitude and the oneness of Allah.
Acceptance of a person’s deeds is contingent upon his acknowledgment of monotheism.
Salvation on the Day of Judgment depends on the correctness of one’s belief.
The proper belief defines an individual’s relationship with his Creator.
The foundation of a person’s happiness, comfort, and tranquility in this worldly life is rooted in his knowledge of Allah (Exalted is He).
Correct belief provides comprehensive answers to all inquiries that arise in a person’s mind.
Islamic legal texts from the Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize the significance of belief.
Correct belief is the pathway to victory and success in both lives.
Sound belief safeguards the Muslim from being influenced by corrupt ideologies.