Why are some believers strict?

The observation of what some perceive as 'strictness' among certain believers is a question that often occupies the minds of many, including Muslims themselves. This strictness can manifest in the application of religious rulings, in interactions with others, or in the general outlook on worldly and spiritual matters. To understand this phenomenon from the perspective of the Holy Quran, it is essential to delve into the fundamental principles and tenets that this divine book outlines for a believer's way of life. The Quran has never advocated for undue or excessive strictness in religion; rather, it has consistently emphasized the path of moderation, ease, and mercy. Firstly, the Quran describes the Islamic community as a 'middle nation' or a 'balanced nation.' In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143, Allah states: «وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا» (And thus We have made you a middle nation, that you may be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger may be a witness over you). This verse clearly indicates that Islam is founded upon moderation and balance – neither excessive asceticism and demanding rituals nor negligence and indifference towards divine commands. This 'wasatiyyah' (moderation) signifies a departure from any form of extremism or laxity, presenting a model for a balanced and humane life where the rights of God, oneself, and others are duly observed. This concept of moderation permeates all aspects of a believer's individual and communal life, from choosing how to worship to earning a livelihood, from family relationships to social engagements. A true believer is one who consistently walks the path of balance, avoiding deviation towards either extreme of excess or deficiency. This middle way ensures spiritual and ethical growth and prevents disillusionment or arrogance. Another fundamental principle explicitly articulated in the Quran is 'yusr,' which means ease or facilitation in religion. Almighty Allah declares in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185: «يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ» (Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship). This verse, along with similar ones, clearly underscores the truth that the purpose of divine law (Sharia) is to make life easier for humanity and guide individuals towards well-being and felicity, not to impose unnecessary difficulties. The religion of Islam is revealed in accordance with human nature, and none of its injunctions places a burden beyond human capacity. In fact, in specific circumstances like illness or travel, religious rulings are eased to prevent undue hardship. This demonstrates that any 'strictness' imposed by believers themselves, leading to unnecessary difficulty, cannot genuinely originate from the authentic teachings of the Quran. Such self-imposed rigors often contradict the very spirit of divine benevolence and ease, misleading individuals into believing that hardship is piety. This principle teaches believers to always seek convenience and simplicity in performing acts of worship and obligations, rather than burdening themselves or others. This spirit of ease, especially in confronting others' shortcomings, encourages forgiveness and leniency, ensuring that the embrace of faith remains wide and accessible to all. Furthermore, the Quran explicitly prohibits 'ghuluw,' or extremism in religion. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 171, addressing the People of the Scripture, it states: «يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلَا تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْحَقَّ» (O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion and do not say about Allah except the truth). This prohibition against 'ghuluw' is a universal warning applicable to followers of all religions, and Muslims must learn from it. 'Ghuluw' means going to extremes and transgressing the boundaries set by Allah, whether in beliefs (e.g., elevating a creature to the status of the Creator) or in practices (e.g., establishing self-imposed rules and restrictions that religion has not emphasized). When some believers impose more strictness upon themselves or others than what the Sharia requires, they inadvertently fall into the trap of 'ghuluw.' This extremism can lead to people being alienated and disgusted by religion, as it portrays faith as an inaccessible and overwhelming burden. History has consistently shown that religious extremism invariably leads to intellectual and practical deviations, distorting the true path of guidance. The life and conduct of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was the perfect embodiment of Quranic teachings, serve as clear evidence of the principles of mercy, leniency, and ease. The Quran describes the Prophet as a 'mercy to the worlds' (Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 107). In Surah Aal-Imran, verse 159, it states: «فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ» (So by a mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you). These verses illustrate that even when dealing with opponents and in the context of inviting others to Islam, the Prophet (PBUH) acted with kindness and gentleness, let alone in his dealings with believers and the general populace. Numerous prophetic traditions also emphasize the principle: "Make things easy, do not make them difficult" (Yassiru wa la tu’assiru) and "I have been sent with the easy, upright religion" (Bu’ithtu bil-hanifiyyah al-samhah). This approach was a symbol of his moral perfection and deep insight, knowing that hearts are won by love and wisdom, not by force or coercion. His life served as a perfect example of a balanced existence, where both the rights of God and the rights of humanity were observed in the best possible manner. So, why, despite these emphatic Quranic and Prophetic injunctions, do some believers appear strict? Several reasons account for this phenomenon, which can largely be attributed to an incorrect or incomplete understanding of religious principles: Firstly, misinterpretation or superficial understanding of religious texts: Some individuals may focus solely on the literal meaning of a verse or tradition, overlooking the overarching spirit of the Sharia, its higher objectives (maqasid al-sharia), and the historical and social context of revelations. This kind of narrow, atomistic view, without considering the wisdom and philosophy behind the rulings, can lead to rigid and strict interpretations. They might forget that the ultimate purpose of religion is human salvation and societal rectification, not merely a dry adherence to superficialities without comprehending deeper meanings. This group may fall into the trap of 'literalism,' neglecting the 'inner' dimensions of faith. Secondly, upbringing and environmental influence: Family background, the nature of religious education received, and the role models encountered from childhood can significantly shape an individual's personality and approach to religion. If a person has grown up in an environment that emphasizes excessive strictness and restrictions, they are likely to adopt a similar approach and perceive it as true piety. These cultural and social influences can sometimes be so profound that they distort an individual's understanding of true religious principles, steering them away from the path of moderation. This cycle can perpetuate from generation to generation unless rectified by awareness and insight. Thirdly, fear of sin and deviation: Sometimes, a believer, out of caution and fear of falling into sin, adopts an overly strict approach. While this fear stems from a sense of duty, if not accompanied by wisdom and knowledge, it can lead to scrupulosity (waswasa) and imposing unnecessary hardships on oneself and others. Allah accepts repentance and always leaves the door open for His servants, encouraging hope over despair, not anxiety. This irrational fear of sin might, instead of drawing a person closer to God, distance them from normal life and lawful pleasures, causing anxiety and depression, whereas religion came for the peace and tranquility of the heart. Fourthly, focus on outward appearances and neglect of inner substance: Some believers might concentrate excessively on performing rituals superficially and adhering strictly to outward religious formalities, neglecting the inner and ethical dimensions of faith such as kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and service to humanity. The primary goal of religion is self-purification and achieving human perfection, which cannot be attained merely through outward observance. True faith, in addition to observing rituals, requires inner purification, gentleness with creation, and good character. When this balance is disturbed, an individual may appear outwardly pious but inwardly rigid and lacking spiritual essence. Ultimately, it must be emphasized that excessive and illogical strictness is not only inconsistent with the spirit of Islam but can also hinder others from embracing the faith and even cause discouragement and despair among believers themselves. The path of inviting to Allah and His religion is as stated in Surah An-Nahl, verse 125: «ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ» (Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best). This verse provides a roadmap for every believer who wishes to present a model of religiosity—a path founded on wisdom, kindness, respect, and aversion to any form of harshness or imposition. Therefore, while observing some strict behaviors among believers is a reality, these behaviors do not represent the comprehensive and overall spirit of Quranic teachings and the Prophet's Sunnah. Instead, they largely stem from incomplete understandings or individual errors in comprehending and applying the religion. True Islam is a religion of mercy, balance, and ease that shows the path to growth and perfection with gentleness and wisdom.