Shaping Religion to One’s Mind

until it is connected to the overarching idea of politics. In this mindset, even salah (prayer) may transform into a mere “training supplement” intended to prepare political activists for the cause of Islam. If a Muslim were to find himself alone on a deserted island, a person influenced by this philosophy might struggle to understand why prayer would even be necessary in such a situation. A person confined to this specific mindset will instinctively try to find answers to every question within the realm of political terminology. Such a person cannot be satisfied with any explanation of an aspect of Islam that lacks a political tone. For instance, if you notice a lack of enthusiasm among Islamic workers, an absence of longing for God, or lack of tears shed for His sake, you would likely attribute it to the lack of political engagement in their lives. Your best advice would be to introduce programs that involve confronting the political powers of the time. Certainly, moments of confrontation can occur in a believer’s life. However, there are other, more effective and accessible ways to foster a sincere desire for Islam: studying the Quran, contemplating God’s signs in the universe, praying deeply, enduring fasting with patience, waking at night to worship instead of