Why do some people quickly stray from the path of faith?

The departure of individuals from the path of faith is a complex phenomenon that the Holy Quran addresses from various dimensions, enumerating diverse reasons for it. This issue has deep roots in human nature, satanic whispers, worldly attractions, and life's challenges. Understanding these reasons not only helps us guard ourselves against spiritual slippage but also enables us to look with greater compassion upon those who have fallen into such a state, reminding them of the path back. The Quran clearly states that faith is not merely a declaration; rather, it is a truth that is tested in divine trials and requires constant nurturing and strengthening. One of the most significant reasons highlighted by the Quran is divine tests and trials (fitnah). Allah Almighty explicitly states in numerous verses that human beings, after claiming faith, will be tested to reveal their sincerity and distinguish the true from the false. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2 and 3, it is recited: "Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe,' and will not be tested? But We have certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars." These trials can manifest as hardships and calamities, such as poverty, illness, loss of loved ones, or fear and hunger, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155. In these circumstances, some individuals whose foundation of faith is weak lose their patience and perseverance. Instead of relying on Allah and seeking refuge in Him, they succumb to despair, disbelief, and ingratitude, thereby deviating from the righteous path. On the other hand, trials can also appear in the form of prosperity, wealth, power, and social status. In such cases, some individuals, instead of using blessings in the way of Allah and showing gratitude, become arrogant, proud, and rebellious, making worldly life their ultimate goal, which is also a form of departing from the path of faith. They forget that these are trusts from Allah and not means for transgression. Another reason is being enticed by worldly attractions and excessive attachment to them. The Holy Quran strongly warns against the allure of worldly life. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 14, it states: "Beautified for people is the love of desires – of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tillage. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return." The world, with its glitter and glamour, calls to humanity, causing spiritual values to fade in comparison to material gains. When a person's primary goal becomes accumulating wealth, gaining power, fame, or fleeting worldly pleasures, their connection with God and religious values gradually weakens. Such individuals may resort to any means to achieve their worldly objectives, even if those means contradict ethical and religious principles. This excessive focus on the world leads to forgetfulness of the Hereafter and losing the right path. Heedlessness of the remembrance of Allah (Ghaflah) and hardening of hearts (Qaswat al-Qulub) are also significant factors in deviation. The Quran places great emphasis on Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), for the remembrance of Allah brings tranquility to hearts and prevents misguidance. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 16, it is mentioned: "Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has descended of the truth? And that they should not be like those who were given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so their hearts hardened; and many of them were defiantly disobedient." When a person becomes heedless of Allah, their heart gradually hardens, losing the ability to comprehend spiritual truths and divine messages. This heedlessness can result from preoccupation with trivial matters, lack of reflection on divine signs, and withdrawal from gatherings of remembrance and knowledge. A hardened heart fails to recognize the truth and easily falls prey to satanic whispers, leading to sin and deviation. Satanic whispers (Waswasa) also play a crucial role in misleading people. Satan is humanity's clear enemy and constantly strives to deviate individuals from the straight path. He entices people towards sin and rebellion with false promises and by beautifying evil in their eyes. Satan exploits human weaknesses, instilling doubt in hearts and weakening their faith. The Quran, in many verses, including Surah An-Nas and Al-Baqarah, verse 168, refers to these whispers and provides the solution as seeking refuge in Allah and practicing piety. Those whose foundation of faith is not strong easily fall for Satan's deceptions and follow his path. Furthermore, weak foundations of faith and lack of deep understanding of religion can lead to a quick departure from faith. Some individuals' faith is superficial and imitative, not built on a profound understanding of religious principles and knowledge. Such faith is vulnerable to doubts, hardships, and worldly attractions. When faced with a question they cannot answer or a challenge that tests their faith, individuals quickly fall into doubt and may abandon the path. These people usually seek superficial justifications for abandoning religion and, instead of seeking deeper understanding and reflection, succumb to whispers and doubts. Lack of continuous connection with scholars and people of knowledge, and neglecting the study and contemplation of the Quran, can also exacerbate this weakness. Finally, keeping bad company and being in inappropriate environments can negatively impact a person's faith. Humans are social beings and are influenced by their environment and friends. If an individual associates with those who do not adhere to religious values and for whom sin and corruption are commonplace, they will gradually be influenced, and their religious beliefs will weaken. The Quran instructs believers to associate with righteous people and avoid the company of wrongdoers, as the influence of environment and friends is undeniable. In Surah Al-Furqan, verse 28, the regret of the misguided on the Day of Judgment due to choosing bad company is mentioned. In summary, departing from the path of faith is not the result of a single factor, but often the culmination of several factors that gradually or suddenly distance an individual from the righteous path. This signifies that faith is a precious jewel that requires constant guardianship and care. By relying on Allah, increasing religious knowledge, avoiding temptations, persevering through hardships, and choosing good companions, we can strengthen our faith and prevent stumbling on this challenging journey.