“On Deviant Practices of Islam”
On Deviant Practices of Islam
I do not claim to know the intricacies and the legalities of what, why and how Deviant Practices of Islam is rampant and having staunch followers. I am merely a curious bystander. As a curious by stander, I need to start somewhere. I decided to use GenAI to help me with the initial information. My curiosity stemmed from my own experience observing others, and reading articles and watching videos. I guess my curiosity got the better of me.
Below is my initial research with GEMINI.
Hi Gemini (as in the Gen AI). Morning. I am interested to know, why, in the eyes of traditional Islam, why so many people are attracted to and practicing that are considered deviant Islamic teachings? Thanks
Good morning. That's a thoughtful and important question.
In the view of traditional or orthodox Islam, the attraction to and practice of teachings considered "deviant" or heterodox (often termed bid'ah or ajaran sesat) is generally attributed to a combination of internal factors (within the individual Muslim) and external influences.
Here is a summary of the main reasons, according to traditional Islamic perspectives:
🧭 Core Causes for Deviation
1. Ignorance and Lack of Sound Knowledge
• Shallow Understanding: The primary cause is often cited as a lack of deep and correct understanding of the fundamentals of 'Aqeedah (creed), Shari'ah (Islamic law), and Akhlaq (morals), derived from the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).
• Vulnerability: A person ignorant of the true teachings is considered spiritually vulnerable, like a "dry sponge" ready to soak up any belief, good or bad. This makes them easily deceived by charismatic, yet misguided, leaders.
2. Blind Following (Taqleed)
• Following Ancestors/Leaders: This involves blindly adhering to the beliefs or practices of one's ancestors, a respected figure, or a community leader, without verifying those teachings against the primary sources of Islam (Qur'an and Sunnah).
• Bigotry: An excessive, sometimes emotional, attachment to a particular person, group, or tradition, even when it clearly contradicts established Islamic principles.
3. The Search for "Easy" or Immediate Spiritual Gratification
• Looking for Shortcuts: Some deviant teachings promise an "easy way" to attain piety, spiritual enlightenment, or even Paradise, often by simplifying or entirely discarding obligatory religious duties like the five daily prayers (Salat) or fasting (Sawm).
• Claimed Esoteric Knowledge (Hakikat): Groups that misinterpret Tasawwuf (Sufism) may claim to possess a secret, inner, or mystical truth (batin or hakikat) that negates the need for the outward religious law (Zahir or Shari'ah). This appeals to those seeking a perceived higher or more profound spiritual state without the discipline of the law.
🌟 Other Contributing Factors
4. Exaggerated Claims and Charismatic Leadership
• False Claims of Revelation/Prophethood: Leaders of deviant movements often attract followers by claiming to receive direct revelation (Wahyu), divine inspiration (Ilham), or special mystical gifts, such as the ability to cure diseases or communicate with the unseen.
• Cult of Personality: An excessive veneration (ghuluw) of a teacher or saint, elevating them to a status that is compared to, or even above, God or the Prophets.
5. External and Cultural Influences
• Pre-Islamic Beliefs: In many regions, deviation can involve incorporating elements from ancient or local non-Islamic traditions (e.g., animism, shamanism, or elements of other major religions). These syncretic forms of "Folk Islam" may appeal because they resonate with cultural heritage.
• Misinterpretation of Mysticism: Distortion of established Sufi concepts, such as Wahdat al-Wujud (Unity of Existence), can lead to pantheistic or heterodox beliefs.
6. Sociological and Psychological Factors
• Coping Mechanisms: When individuals face intense personal calamity, psychological distress, or feel marginalized, they may be drawn to groups that offer strong social structure, a rigid moral code, and a sense of belonging and support (communitas).
• Desire for Righteousness: In some cases, people are genuinely motivated by a desire to be righteous but lack the correct guidance, making them susceptible to promises of moral perfection offered by heterodox groups.
In essence, traditional Islam views these "deviant" movements as straying from the straight path (Sirat al-Mustaqeem) established by the Qur'an and Sunnah, and that people are attracted to them due to a vulnerability created by ignorance and the appeal of simplistic or exaggerated spiritual promises.
I do not claim to know the intricacies and the legalities of what, why and how Deviant Practices of Islam is rampant and having staunch followers. I am merely a curious bystander. As a curious by stander, I need to start somewhere. I decided to use GenAI to help me with the initial information. My curiosity stemmed from my own experience observing others, and reading articles and watching videos. I guess my curiosity got the better of me.
Below is my initial research with GEMINI.
Hi Gemini (as in the Gen AI). Morning. I am interested to know, why, in the eyes of traditional Islam, why so many people are attracted to and practicing that are considered deviant Islamic teachings? Thanks
Good morning. That's a thoughtful and important question.
In the view of traditional or orthodox Islam, the attraction to and practice of teachings considered "deviant" or heterodox (often termed bid'ah or ajaran sesat) is generally attributed to a combination of internal factors (within the individual Muslim) and external influences.
Here is a summary of the main reasons, according to traditional Islamic perspectives:
🧭 Core Causes for Deviation
1. Ignorance and Lack of Sound Knowledge
• Shallow Understanding: The primary cause is often cited as a lack of deep and correct understanding of the fundamentals of 'Aqeedah (creed), Shari'ah (Islamic law), and Akhlaq (morals), derived from the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).
• Vulnerability: A person ignorant of the true teachings is considered spiritually vulnerable, like a "dry sponge" ready to soak up any belief, good or bad. This makes them easily deceived by charismatic, yet misguided, leaders.
2. Blind Following (Taqleed)
• Following Ancestors/Leaders: This involves blindly adhering to the beliefs or practices of one's ancestors, a respected figure, or a community leader, without verifying those teachings against the primary sources of Islam (Qur'an and Sunnah).
• Bigotry: An excessive, sometimes emotional, attachment to a particular person, group, or tradition, even when it clearly contradicts established Islamic principles.
3. The Search for "Easy" or Immediate Spiritual Gratification
• Looking for Shortcuts: Some deviant teachings promise an "easy way" to attain piety, spiritual enlightenment, or even Paradise, often by simplifying or entirely discarding obligatory religious duties like the five daily prayers (Salat) or fasting (Sawm).
• Claimed Esoteric Knowledge (Hakikat): Groups that misinterpret Tasawwuf (Sufism) may claim to possess a secret, inner, or mystical truth (batin or hakikat) that negates the need for the outward religious law (Zahir or Shari'ah). This appeals to those seeking a perceived higher or more profound spiritual state without the discipline of the law.
🌟 Other Contributing Factors
4. Exaggerated Claims and Charismatic Leadership
• False Claims of Revelation/Prophethood: Leaders of deviant movements often attract followers by claiming to receive direct revelation (Wahyu), divine inspiration (Ilham), or special mystical gifts, such as the ability to cure diseases or communicate with the unseen.
• Cult of Personality: An excessive veneration (ghuluw) of a teacher or saint, elevating them to a status that is compared to, or even above, God or the Prophets.
5. External and Cultural Influences
• Pre-Islamic Beliefs: In many regions, deviation can involve incorporating elements from ancient or local non-Islamic traditions (e.g., animism, shamanism, or elements of other major religions). These syncretic forms of "Folk Islam" may appeal because they resonate with cultural heritage.
• Misinterpretation of Mysticism: Distortion of established Sufi concepts, such as Wahdat al-Wujud (Unity of Existence), can lead to pantheistic or heterodox beliefs.
6. Sociological and Psychological Factors
• Coping Mechanisms: When individuals face intense personal calamity, psychological distress, or feel marginalized, they may be drawn to groups that offer strong social structure, a rigid moral code, and a sense of belonging and support (communitas).
• Desire for Righteousness: In some cases, people are genuinely motivated by a desire to be righteous but lack the correct guidance, making them susceptible to promises of moral perfection offered by heterodox groups.
In essence, traditional Islam views these "deviant" movements as straying from the straight path (Sirat al-Mustaqeem) established by the Qur'an and Sunnah, and that people are attracted to them due to a vulnerability created by ignorance and the appeal of simplistic or exaggerated spiritual promises.
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