Why Do Some People Have a Religious Appearance But Lack Morals?

Addressing the profound and challenging question of why we sometimes observe individuals who outwardly appear deeply religious and committed to acts of worship, yet exhibit serious moral shortcomings, requires a careful reflection on Quranic teachings and a correct understanding of the essence of religion. The Holy Quran, as the divine word and a complete guide for life, places immense emphasis on the inseparable connection between true faith (Iman), righteous deeds (Amal Saleh), and noble character (Akhlaq). Therefore, any disconnect between outward religiosity and inner morality is not only contrary to the true spirit of Islam but is also highlighted and warned against in numerous Quranic verses. The Essence of Religion: The Inseparable Link of Faith, Worship, and Morality Islam is not merely a collection of rigid rituals and empty ceremonies. Rather, it is a comprehensive educational and ethical system aimed at cultivating a complete human being with firm faith, humble worship, and excellent morals. From a Quranic perspective, true faith takes root in the heart, and its fruits manifest in one's behavior and speech. If there is faith that bears no fruit in morality and deeds, then that faith is merely a superficial claim. The Quran repeatedly links faith with righteous deeds, because righteous deeds are the tangible manifestation of inner belief. Righteous deeds are not limited to performing ritual obligations; they encompass all good conduct, benevolence, justice, truthfulness, trustworthiness, and kindness towards God's creation. Anyone who claims religiosity but falls short in their interactions with others, in upholding people's rights, in honesty and fairness, in compassion and mercy, and in avoiding oppression, backbiting, and slander, has not truly grasped the essence of religion. The Concept of Ostentation (Riya) and Hypocrisy (Nifaq) in the Quran One of the most significant reasons for this contradiction between outward appearance and inner reality is the issue of “Riya” (ostentation) and “Nifaq” (hypocrisy), both of which the Quran strongly warns against. Riya refers to performing good deeds or displaying religious devotion to gain people's admiration and social standing, rather than for the sake of God. Nifaq goes beyond Riya, signifying a duality and contradiction between one's inner state and outward appearance, or inner disbelief coupled with an outward profession of faith. Surah Al-Ma'un (107) provides a clear example of individuals who possess a religious exterior but lack morality: “So woe to those who pray [But] who are heedless of their prayer Those who make show [of their deeds] * And withhold [small] ordinary items” (Verses 4-7). These verses refer to those who pray but are heedless of their prayers, performing them merely for show, and refusing to help the needy. This illustrates that prayer, without attention to its ethical and social dimensions, holds no value in the sight of God and is even condemned. The Quran also describes the characteristics of “Munafiqin” (hypocrites) in several verses. A hypocrite is someone who outwardly presents themselves as a Muslim but lacks firm conviction inwardly, basing their actions on personal and worldly interests rather than divine principles. In Surah An-Nisa (4:142), we read: “Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allah except a little.” This verse clearly demonstrates that even the prayers of hypocrites are not performed with sincere intention but merely for show and to impress people, and this lack of sincerity leads to moral weakness. Such individuals may perform outward acts of worship, but they act very poorly in dealings, in speech and action, in honesty and trustworthiness, and in respecting others. Misunderstanding Religion and its Priorities Another reason for this phenomenon lies in a mistaken understanding of religious priorities. Some individuals mistakenly believe that religiosity is confined to performing specific rituals and external religious observances, while neglecting its ethical dimension. However, Quranic teachings explicitly emphasize the importance of ethics and human virtues. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, offers a comprehensive definition of “Birr” (righteousness or benevolence) that places ethics at the core of religiosity: “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing captives; and who establishes prayer and gives zakah; and [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.” This verse clearly states that outward formalism (like facing the Qibla in prayer) alone is not the criterion for goodness. Instead, true piety encompasses sincere belief in the principles of faith, charity, establishment of prayer and zakat, fulfillment of promises, and patience in adversity. Noble character is not an optional embellishment but the very backbone of true religiosity. Influence of Environment, Upbringing, and Human Imperfection In addition to misinterpretations of religion, other factors can contribute to this situation. Sometimes, an individual grows up in an environment where outward religious appearances are given more importance than inner essence and morality. Or, in their religious upbringing, rituals may have been emphasized more than ethical concepts. Furthermore, it must be acknowledged that humans are imperfect beings with an inciting soul (Nafs al-Ammara). The struggle against the self and its purification to achieve good morals requires continuous effort and striving. Some individuals may not succeed in this struggle with their inner selves and succumb to temptations and carnal desires, even if they possess a religious exterior. This inability to control the self and overcome negative traits leads to unethical behaviors. Conclusion: A Call for Self-Reflection and Authenticity in Action Observing this phenomenon should not lead us to become pessimistic about the essence of religion itself. Instead, it should serve as a warning bell for ourselves and others that true religiosity is far beyond mere appearances and rituals. This issue stems from a deficiency in understanding and implementing religious teachings, not from religion itself. The Quran teaches us that the criterion for superiority and closeness to God is divine piety (Taqwa), which encompasses both sincere acts of worship and excellent morals and service to creation. Someone who has a religious appearance but lacks morals has, in reality, only held onto the shell of religion and has not reached its core essence, which is the purification of the self and the embodiment of divine ethics. Therefore, every believer should strive to reflect God's mercy, justice, and pure ethics not only in their outward actions but also in their very essence, in order to achieve salvation in the presence of God.