Why Do Good People Sometimes Feel Alone?

In the profound and rich teachings of the Holy Quran, the concept of 'loneliness' for 'good people' – meaning believers and righteous individuals – is not presented as abandonment by divine support. Instead, it is often seen as a test (ibtila') and a stage in the journey of spiritual growth and soul elevation. The Quran describes worldly life as a place of trial and invites believers to patience and steadfastness in the face of adversities. This apparent loneliness can manifest in various forms, each carrying deep wisdom and lessons from the Almighty Lord. One of the most significant reasons for this feeling of loneliness is a 'divine test.' Allah states in the Quran: "Do people think that they will be left alone after saying, 'We believe,' and they will not be tested?" (Al-Ankabut, 29:2). This verse clearly indicates that believing and being good does not come without trials and tribulations. Sometimes, this test appears in the form of loneliness, a lack of understanding from those around them, or a scarcity of like-minded companions. This solitude can be an opportunity for a believer to understand the depth of their faith, strengthen their reliance on Allah, and depend on no one but Him. Allah intends to elevate His good servants to the highest degrees of proximity, and for this purpose, He may free them from worldly attachments and even human connections that sometimes hinder spiritual growth. Another aspect of this loneliness is 'purification of the soul and elevation of rank.' Just as gold must be melted in fire to become pure, the human soul needs to pass through difficulties and sometimes be alone on the path of truth to achieve perfection and purity. In this journey, the believer is alone with themselves and their Lord, finding an opportunity to focus solely on Allah's pleasure, free from the judgments and expectations of others. This spiritual self-reliance and independence are among the fruits of this type of solitude. The Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." Loneliness can be one manifestation of these losses, leading to patience and immense reward. Occasionally, the 'distinct and outstanding nature' of good people also contributes to their loneliness. When an individual adheres to truth and righteousness and refuses to conform to falsehood, they might become a minority among the majority, consequently feeling isolated and alone. Prophets of Allah, who were supreme examples of good people, consistently faced this challenge throughout history. Prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses, and even Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the early stages of their call, faced minimal supporters and maximal opposition, which was a form of loneliness on the path of truth. However, this apparent loneliness drew them closer to the source of divine power and deepened their reliance on Allah. The Holy Quran recounts many stories of prophets standing firm against their people, illustrating this very concept. It must be understood that from the Quranic perspective, true loneliness is detachment from Allah, not from creation. A person who has a heartfelt connection with Allah is never truly alone. Allah says in the Quran: "And He is with you wherever you are" (Al-Hadid, 57:4). This 'divine companionship' (Ma'iyyah Ilahiyyah) is the greatest support and source of tranquility for the believer. A believer finds intimacy with their Lord in their solitude, and this intimacy removes any feeling of loneliness. Prayer (Salat), supplication (Dua), recitation of the Quran, and remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) are all tools to strengthen this connection and the constant feeling of Allah's presence. Hence, the apparent loneliness of a believer is an opportunity for seclusion with the Beloved and immersion in the boundless ocean of divine mercy and intimacy. Ultimately, this loneliness can be a sign of 'special divine care.' Allah sometimes guides His special servants through different paths to achieve unique stations. These paths may involve traversing the valley of loneliness and difficult trials. Patience in this solitude and reliance on Allah bring immense rewards that will manifest in this world and the Hereafter. Therefore, although good people may sometimes outwardly feel alone, inwardly, they are in the highest states of companionship with their Creator. This loneliness is a bridge to eternal intimacy with the Lord and entry into the company of the devout in Paradise. It is not a sign of a flaw in one's goodness but rather an indication of Allah's grand plan for their growth and perfection.