NOT BEING MOVED BY THE AYAAT OF THE QUR’AN:
The ayaat of the Quran brought light to a world that was enveloped in darkness and ignorance. These ayaat of truth made people understand their Lord, softened hearts, changed minds, and made people Muslims. Allah attested to the power of these words when He, The Almighty, said in the Quran:
“Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rent asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect.”
(Quran: Surah Al-Hashr: 21)
The ayaat of the Quran affect a true believer whose faith is strong. He takes seriously its message of guidance, commands and prohibitions, and the path that he or she will take after departing from this life. These verses ought to bring a believer of strong faith to tears. But for those with a weakness in their faith will notice their hearts unmoved with the message of the Quran.
About those who are affected by its recitations and pondering of its message, Allah says in the Quran:
“Allah has sent down the Best Statement, a Book (this Quran), its parts resembling each other (in goodness and truth) (and) oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah. He Guides therewith whom He wills; and whomever Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide.”
(Qur’an: Surah Az Zumar: 23)
NOT PRACTICING WHAT ONE PREACHES:
Hypocrisy is strongly condemned in Islam. Those of us who cannot walk their talk in their daily living of Islam within their homes as well as outside suffer from the weakness of their faith. It is imperative, therefore, that one who preaches to others should himself follow the teachings. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful is it with Allah that you say that which you do not do.”
(Qur’an: Surah As Saff :2-3)
TRYING TO FIND SHORTCUTS BY TREADING CLOSE TO ‘MAKROOH’ AND HARAM:
Not giving importance to what is approved by Allah and what is disapproved, leads some people to find shortcuts and tread close to the territory of haram. This gets them involved in ‘makrooh’ acts (undesirable but not haram). However, makrooh deeds eventually ensnare them in haram deeds. The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:
“Whoever falls into doubtful matters falls into haram, like a shepherd who grazes his flock around a place where he is not allowed – he will soon enter it…”
[Reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim; this version narrated by Muslim, no. 1599].
Such weakness of faith nurtures an attitude that seeks any fatwa providing legitimacy to their desired actions. This shows one’s readiness to commit the first level of haram, taking small sins lightly. This can then lead to boldness in transgressing even further and violating the limits set by Allah. It is for this reason that for example, in the following ayat, Allah not only forbade the act of “zina” but also told us not to get even near it (through acts that gradually pushes one to it).
“And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Fahishah (i.e. anything that transgresses its limits: a great sin), and an evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives him).” (Qur’an: Surah Al-Isra:32)