A lotttt of the young folks (specially from certain hardcore salafi & sufi circles) I used to know several years ago now abandoned religious practices altogether. The nature of zealotry is that it’s borne from inner inadequacies in dealing with trauma in spiritual circles. https://twitter.com/Bariiiiiq/status/1367219439192702982

To be constantly aggressive in one’s faith while simultaneously proclaiming that power itself is from God inevitably leads to a crisis in faith itself & drives a person to lash out at every easy target possible.

It becomes heavy to the point that moderation feels like blasphemy.

It’s also why the Prophet ﷺ warned us:

“O’ people, beware of zealotry in religion, for those who came before you were only destroyed because of their fanaticism in religion.” [ibn Majah]

It becomes a show for a heart that soon veils itself from Allah ﷻ & faces burnout.

“Surely, religion is easy & no one burdens themselves in religion but that it overwhelms them (thus abandoning it). Follow the right course, seek closeness to God, give glad tidings, & seek help for worship...” [Bukhari]

“The hairsplitters have been ruined.” [Muslim]

In the end, compassion & mercy is what saves us.

“Whoever has the quality of gentle kindness has been given their portion of goodness (from God), & whoever is deprived of the quality has been deprived of goodness.” [Tirmidhi]

I’ve seen so many of us grow out of this in the last 7-8 years & I’m honestly so proud of y’all for finding love & wisdom with Allah ﷻ, your family, & your friends.

You’ve truly made strides in life that I hope will only continue to bring you peace & prosperity.