Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim.
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.
Dear friends, I hope you are all well. I am also well and healthy with your prayers and the infinite mercy of Allah Almighty.
Islam is a complete system of life. It includes worship, sociality, economics, politics, morality - everything. But in reality, people face various obstacles in practicing Islam or moving forward in religious work. Sometimes personal, sometimes social, and sometimes even from the state level. The question is - why are there so many obstacles in Islamic work or religious work? If we analyze the main reasons for this, it can be understood that these obstacles are created by a combination of human psychology, the state of society, selfish groups, worldly greed, the persuasion of Satan and tests of faith. The matter is discussed in detail below.
1. Satan's Incitement
Islam teaches that Allah has sent prophets and messengers to guide people to the right path. On the other hand, Satan always wants to divert people from the true path. Therefore, whenever someone wants to follow the path of Islam or engage in religious activities, Satan hinders him in various ways. Sometimes he brings laziness to the mind, sometimes he scares him, and sometimes he attracts him to worldly greed. This invisible enemy is always at work. As a result, obstacles to religious activities are natural.
2. Human superstition and ignorance
Many people are unaware of the true Islam. Due to superstition, misconceptions and ignorance, they consider correct religious activities as obstacles. For example, when someone wants to establish Islamic ideals in society, some people criticize him as "hardcore" or "excessively religious". Again, going to the mosque, doing business according to Sharia, or observing the veil are often considered backward or against modernity. This ignorance is one of the biggest obstacles to Islamic activities.
3. Worldly interests
The basic principles of Islam are justice, truthfulness, refraining from interest and bribery, and preventing injustice. But the worldly interests of many are based on injustice. For example, usurers, bribe-takers, drug dealers, dishonest businessmen, or groups that abuse power will oppose the Islamic system. Because if Islam is established, their interests will be hurt. Therefore, they try to hinder the work of Islam.
4. Test of faith
Allah Almighty says in the Quran that people will be tested. It is not enough to just claim faith verbally, but to prove it in reality. For this, sometimes one has to endure hardship, obstacles, and torture. It is seen in history that in the early era, Muslims were subjected to severe torture in Mecca. Even today, Allah tests those who do Islamic work in various ways to test their patience and faith.
5. Different opinions and disagreements
There are always differences in people's thoughts and opinions. Even while doing Islamic work, various disagreements arise. Many people obstruct the main Islamic work by giving priority to their own party or opinion. As a result, instead of unity, division is created and various obstacles arise to move the work forward.
6. Western influence and consumerist culture
In today's world, Western culture and consumerist lifestyle have had a strong influence. People want to live their lives as they wish in the name of freedom and pleasure. The discipline of Islam, the limits of halal and haram, the rules of prayer and fasting, all seem to be restrictions to them. As a result, those who promote the Islamic way of life face opposition from such groups.
7. Political and social pressure
Many times, the ruling group in the state or society wants to limit Islam only to rituals and ceremonies. They do not want to allow the social, political and economic aspects of Islam to be established. As a result, a lot of pressure is created on Islamic movements or religious work. It has been seen in history that the ruling group has implemented various types of laws, oppression and propaganda to suppress Islamic da'wah and work.
8. Family misconceptions
In some cases, obstacles come from the family. For example, if a young man starts praying regularly or wants to grow a beard, the family may think that he is becoming "too religious". If a girl starts wearing the hijab, some in the family discourage her, saying that she will be socially backward. Such mental pressure also creates obstacles to Islamic work.
9. Time and environmental problems
To participate in religious work, it takes time, patience and environment. But many people cannot give time in their busy lives. Again, the environment is not always conducive. It is difficult to create a favorable environment for religious work in the office-court, school-college or workplace. As a result, the pace of work slows down.
10. Lack of Islamic unity
The lack of brotherhood and unity among Muslims is also a big obstacle. Allah has asked Muslims to remain united, but in reality we are divided into many groups. The work of Islam is hindered due to our inability to tolerate each other.
Obstacles to Islamic work or religious work are not a new phenomenon. It is part of history and is also a current reality. Satan's evil schemes, human ignorance, worldly interests, social pressures, political resistance, family and cultural misconceptions - all of them are a great test for Muslims. However, even if these obstacles come, one should not despair. Because Allah Almighty has promised that those who strive in His path, He will definitely help them.
Therefore, our duty is to remain patient and steadfast on the right path, increase knowledge, maintain unity and continue the work of Islam with trust in Allah. In this way, by transforming obstacles into strength, we will be able to establish a true Islamic society and human welfare.
1166.722 SRY