One type of disbelief is that which is apparent (i.e., due to which a person leaves the fold of Islam, such as denying the existence of Allah, the Prophets, the heavenly books, or the Day of Judgement). Another type is 'subtle disbelief’. (This refers to a person who is a Muslim, recites the testimony of faith, believes in Allah, His Messengers, His books, and the Day of Judgement, but his character resembles that of a disbeliever).

Giving an example of this, Imām al-Ghazālīرَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه  says:

Every person who turns away from Allah, lives only for the world, and is satisfied with it, also falls into this category (meaning they are outwardly Muslim, but their actions mirror that of a disbeliever).^[1]

Similarly, the noble Quran gives an example:

اَفَرَءَیْتَ مَنِ اتَّخَذَ اِلٰهَهٗ هَوٰىهُ وَ اَضَلَّهُ اللّٰهُ عَلٰى عِلْمٍ

Do observe, he who made his desire his god, and Allah left him to stray knowingly,^[2]

اللہ اکبر! O devotees of the Prophet! Reflect upon this. We do not deny Allah Almighty; اَلْـحَمْـدُ لـِلّٰـه, we are Muslims, but think about how many forms of subtle disbelief (i.e., characteristics of the disbelievers) exist within us? Do we not prefer this world over the Hereafter? Do we miss obligatory prayers for the sake of a few pennies? Are acts of disobedience to Allah Almighty committed in the name of social honour on occasions like weddings? Do we not succumb to our desires and disregard the commands of Allah Almighty? Unfortunately, this is widespread in our communities.

People miss the Fajr prayer for the sake of comfort, grow lazy in prayers for worldly gain, and prioritise their desires over Allah’s commands. How astonishing! How can we do this, while Allah Almighty is the One who gave us life when we were nothing,