Why are some people indifferent to goodness?

The Holy Quran, as the divine word and a comprehensive guide for humanity, addresses various dimensions of human existence and spiritual states. The indifference of some individuals towards goodness is a complex phenomenon deeply rooted in human nature, their interaction with the environment, and divine decree. The Quran subtly and profoundly shows us why the hearts of some people might become insensitive to the innate call of good and righteousness, and how this indifference can gradually cast a shadow over one's life. This issue is not only related to the individual but also to social and spiritual dimensions, and understanding it opens the door to self-knowledge and self-correction. One of the most significant reasons highlighted by the Quran is the 'hardening of the heart' (Qasawat al-Qalb). The human heart is the center of perception, emotion, and faith. If this center loses its tenderness, it will no longer be able to receive the light of guidance and be affected by goodness. The Quran refers to this state in several verses. For instance, in Surah Az-Zumar, verse 22, it states: "Afaman sharaha Allahu sadrahu lil-Islami fahuwa 'ala noorin min Rabbih? Fawailun lil-qasiyati quloobuhum min dhikrillah. Ulaika fi dalalin mubeen." This translates to: "Is one whose breast Allah has expanded to [accept] Islam and who is thereby upon a light from his Lord like one whose heart is hardened? So woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. Those are in manifest error." This verse clearly indicates that distance from the remembrance of Allah and heedlessness can lead to a hardened heart. This hardness is like rust that settles on the mirror of the heart, preventing it from reflecting truths and comprehending the beauty of goodness. When the heart hardens, it is neither affected by seeing the suffering of others, nor does it find joy in performing good deeds, nor does it benefit from advice and guidance. This phenomenon is a result of repeated choices to reject truth and follow personal desires. Another reason is the 'following of personal desires and satanic whispers.' Humans are inherently inclined towards goodness, but jinn and human devils constantly strive to divert them from the straight path and make evil appear beautiful in their eyes. The Quran repeatedly refers to Satan's role in deceiving humans. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28, it says: "Wala tuti' man aghfalna qalbahu 'an dhikrina wa attaba'a hawahu wa kana amruhu furuta." This means: "And do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his [own] desire and whose affair has been [a matter of] excess." This verse shows that heedlessness of Allah's remembrance paves the way for following personal desires, and these desires lead humans to prioritize fleeting pleasures and personal gains over any good or righteousness. When a person continuously acts based on their selfish whims, their sense of responsibility and inclination towards goodness gradually diminishes, and instead of paying attention to the needs of others, they only focus on satisfying their own desires. Satan makes this path appear more appealing and beautifies the ugliness of sin and indifference in their sight. Furthermore, 'love of this worldly life' (Hubb ad-Dunya) and forgetting the Hereafter is a significant factor in indifference towards goodness. When a person dedicates all their efforts to accumulating wealth, gaining fame, or achieving worldly positions, they no longer find time to reflect on moral and spiritual values or to care for others. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, the Quran describes worldly life thus: "I'lamu annama al-hayat ad-dunya la'ibun wa lahvun wa zinatun wa tafakhurun bainakum wa takathurun fil-amwali wal-awladi ka-mathali ghaithin a'jaba al-kuffara nabatuhu thumma yahiiju fatarahu musfarran thumma yakoonu hutama; wa fil-akhirati 'azabun shadeedun wa maghfiratun min Allahi wa ridwan. Wa ma al-hayat ad-dunya illa mata' al-ghuroor." This translates to: "Know that the worldly life is only amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting among yourselves and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the disbelievers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion." This verse clearly shows that excessive attachment to the glamour of this world diverts humans from their primary purpose of creation and leads them towards heedlessness and indifference. An individual who only thinks about their personal and material interests can easily become indifferent to societal problems, poverty, and the suffering of others. 'Ignorance and lack of awareness' can also play a role in this indifference. Some people might be disinclined towards goodness due to a lack of understanding of its worldly and otherworldly benefits, or simply not knowing how to perform it. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowledge and reflection on divine verses and signs of creation so that humans may gain understanding and recognize the right path. Those who do not seek knowledge and insight might neglect goodness due to their unawareness of its value. Ultimately, this indifference can be a result of 'not understanding individual and collective responsibility.' The Quran emphasizes that every human is responsible for their own actions and also for their community. Indifference to goodness is essentially ignoring these responsibilities. Allah has given humans will and choice to choose their path and bear the responsibility for their choices. The further a person deviates from the path of guidance and disregards the call of their innate nature (fitra), the deeper their indifference to goodness will become. However, the Quran always keeps the door of repentance and return open, encouraging humans to revive their hearts through the remembrance of Allah, self-purification, and striving to do good deeds, thereby freeing themselves from indifference. This path requires self-knowledge, introspection, and reliance on Allah so that humans can rekindle the light of their innate nature and become sensitive and active towards goodness and righteousness.