Consequences of Distancing from God
Allah – the Exalted – encourages His servants to draw near to Him and to turn towards Him, offering them great rewards for doing so. Conversely, He warns against straying away from Him and neglecting His laws, indicating that such actions lead to misery in both this world and the Hereafter. Those who turn away from Allah and His guidance expose themselves to worldly afflictions, transforming the blessings bestowed upon them into trials and tribulations. It is a decree of Allah – the Glorious – that punishment falls upon those who alienate themselves from Him and deny His laws and religion. Among the most severe consequences faced by those who reject Allah – the Exalted – is the sealing of their hearts, which prevents them from understanding and comprehending their faith after a prolonged period of neglect. This results in their removal from the path of salvation and immense divine favor. Additionally, those who turn away may find themselves at the mercy of their own base desires, leading them further astray until they incur Allah’s wrath in the Hereafter.
Neglecting God
Neglecting Allah – the Exalted – can manifest as total or partial disregard. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah refers to such neglect as turning away or displaying apathy. Many who distance themselves from Allah – the Glorious – and His laws often do so after having been presented with clear signs and evidence that require their faith and recognition of His oneness. Consequently, Allah – the Glorious – has decreed that they bear the burden of proof against themselves; they deserve punishment in both this life and the next if they do not cease their disregard. Scholars explain that the root cause of people’s neglect of their Lord’s religion lies in their love for worldly life and their inclination towards it. They may feel that adhering to Allah’s commandments conflicts with their desires, or they might selectively follow Allah’s law when it aligns with their interests, but turn away when it does not.
Returning to God
Allah – the Exalted – has perpetually opened the door for His servants to return to Him. Those wishing to come back can follow specific steps towards achieving this goal. Here are some recommendations to help individuals to progress on their path to their Lord – the Exalted:
- Abandon the sins and prohibited acts that one has previously engaged in and sincerely repent to Allah – the Exalted – for them.
- Consistently observe the obligatory prayers in a manner that pleases Allah – the Exalted.
- Steer clear of places or companions that led one astray and distanced them from the path of Allah – the Exalted.
- Regularly engage in repentance, asking for forgiveness, and sending blessings upon the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him.
- Attend lectures, seminars, and session of spiritual guidance.