Zeal and Enthusiasm Described in the Qur'an: Their Lingering Behind

People displaying hypocritical tendencies adopt a rationale that is completely different from that of believers and very distant from that of the Qur’an. Due to the defect in their belief, their rationale is based not on gaining the acceptance of Allah but merely on pleasing themselves and deriving personal benefit. For this reason they consider engaging in Islamic work as a futile effort. Since their faith in the hereafter is rather cloudy, they assume that efforts made for the hereafter may not bring adequate benefit in return for all their work and exhaustion. Hence, they find it more profitable to spend their time in attaining immediate worldly gains instead of benefits for Islam. Fearing gullibility, they hang back preferring "moderation," as stated in the Qur’an: "And indeed, there is among you he who lingers behind." In short, they are unenthusiastic about any matters, which will not provide them with obvious worldly benefits.

When they meet a situation that demands effort for the sake of the needy, the oppressed or the believers, they hold back. Constantly offering excuses, they try to make it seem insurpassably difficult. Since they do not live by religion, they lack the motivation and energy to solve a problem or to complete a good work. They display reluctance either by suddenly withdrawing and leaving believers in the lurch or by working apathetically. However, if the same indifferent person is offered a proposal for a prestigious position in a company with a high salary and if he is further promised that he will become a shareholder provided he displays excellent performance, his attitude will be quite different. No doubt, considering the advantages of such a position, he will display remarkable enthusiasm and excellence in his work and rapidly develop satisfactory solutions to trying problems. There is a great contrast between the reluctance of these people when expected to work for the sake of Islam and the enthusiasm they display when their own interests are at stake. Their preference of worldly benefits over Allah’s pleasure accounts for the fluctuating attitude.