Answer
Short Answer: I disagree that Muslims are increasingly running away from following Islamic rules. For every Muslim who turns away, another one turns back to religion. In fact, many non-Muslims are also covertly converting to Islam every single day. As for why some Muslims move away from Islamic values, there are reasons such as love of the world, lack of knowledge of the Quran and incompetent Parenting.
………….
Asalaamu alaykum, and thank you for sending in your question to our website.
Brother, I will try to answer your basic question. However, I disagree that Muslims are increasingly running away from following Islamic rules. For every Muslim who turns away, another one turns back to religion. In fact, many non-Muslims are also covertly converting to Islam every single day.
The fact is that, as human beings, we are weak and constantly put to trial. Our hearts are always in a state of turning one way or the other. This is the whole point of the test of the life of this world:
“He who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All‑Mighty, the Oft‑Forgiving.” [Quran 67:2]
Love of the World
The first reason that Muslims slip in adhering to the rules of Islam is the love of the world. That is, obeying Islamic rules appears to make them lose out on immediate benefits. E.g. someone who is enjoying deep sleep, does not get out of bed to pray Fajr prayer. They do this in order to continue enjoying the act of sleeping. The one who takes out a large interest-based loan usually does so to acquire a fancy car or house. A woman might not wear hijab in order to look prettier or to not stand out in public.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said,
“Love of this world is the root of all evil.” [Bayhaqi’s Shuʿab al-Iman]
Plus, there exist basic evil desires in our souls, such as greed, envy, sloth, and arrogance. Shaitan also does his work constantly trying to mislead us from the right path. When combined with our innate love of the world/its blessings, these cause obstacles in our faith.
And that is why we constantly slip in obeying the rules and commands of Islam.
Lack of Knowledge of the Quran
Allah revealed the Quran as a source of mercy, healing, and guidance for all mankind. A strong connection with this Book is a must if a Muslim wishes to stay firm upon the right path.
Sadly, many Muslims today suffer from weakness of faith. Because of this, they are not steadfast in adhering to the commands of Islam, finding it to be “too difficult”. This is because they do not strive to connect closely to the Quran on a daily basis. Through reading, recitation, listening, and reflection.
Just as the average adult should get out of bed every day in order to do everything needed to survive. So should the Muslims connect to the Quran every day in order to nourish their soul.
“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers..” [Quran 17:82]
In order to make it easier for ourselves to obey all the rules of Islam, we should attach our hearts to the Book of Allah. This will enable us to know, get closer to, and love our Creator.
When a Muslim’s heart is filled with the love of Allah, submitting to Him becomes easier.
Incompetent Parenting
Last, but definitely not the least, the third reason for Muslims relinquishing the rules of religion, has roots in childhood. Childhood is that time of life when doing a little goes a long way. When seeds of righteousness should be duly planted for fruition in the future.
A lack of conscientious Islamic parenting leads to consistent negligence in faith. When a Muslim child is not trained to follow the rules of Islam, it becomes difficult for them to do so, later. As adults, our habits have become well-formed and set. Old habits die hard, as they say. If our parents raised us a certain way, it needs the effort to change our mindsets in adulthood.
Nevertheless, we should never give up. No matter how many factors make it difficult for us to act upon Islam. We should still strive to improve ourselves, little by little. The point is to keep turning back to Allah and striving for improvement.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links: