In recent decades, a troubling phenomenon has quietly taken root within the Muslim world—one that reshapes the way Islam is taught, understood, and practiced. This trend, often referred to as “feel-good Islam,” emphasizes personal spirituality, emotional upliftment, and motivational platitudes while neglecting the broader responsibilities of justice, intellectual rigor, and societal reform. Though comforting to many, it risks reducing Islam to a privatized religion disconnected from the transformative mission enshrined in its teachings.

Islam is not merely a personal faith; it is a complete way of life that intertwines individual devotion with collective responsibility. By sidestepping this dual mandate, feel-good Islam weakens the legacy of the Prophets and contributes to profound societal consequences, including moral paralysis, the empowerment of tyranny, and the alienation of younger generations.

The Rise of “Feel-Good” Islam

At its core, feel-good Islam reduces the faith to simplistic, repetitive themes that emphasize personal rituals, while evading the deeper challenges faced by individuals and communities. Sermons often focus on acts of worship like prayer, fasting, and dhikr, but rarely address the urgent ethical, political, or intellectual crises facing the Muslim world today.

This approach is driven by several factors. Many scholars operate under strict political constraints that limit their ability to speak out against systemic injustices. In countries where dissent is criminalized, religious discourse becomes a tool for compliance rather than transformation. Beyond politics, the rise of social media has turned religious discourse into a commodified form of entertainment, where popularity often takes precedence over substance. Motivational soundbites dominate platforms, providing momentary solace but little depth.

Moreover, the modern secular worldview has relegated religion to the private sphere, encouraging a focus on personal spirituality while detaching Islam from its historical role as a moral and social force. Many Muslims, fatigued by the unending stream of global crises, gravitate toward comforting narratives that allow them to escape from harsh realities rather than confront them.

The Consequences of Feel-Good Islam

This diluted version of Islam is not without consequences. Its proliferation has profoundly affected the moral, social, and intellectual landscape of the Muslim world.

First, moral paralysis has become widespread. When scholars fail to speak out against systemic oppression, their silence normalizes injustice. Over time, Muslims begin to see tyranny, corruption, and inequality as unchangeable realities. This erodes the moral compass of the community, leaving individuals apathetic and disconnected from the ethical imperatives of their faith. The rich Quranic mandate to “stand firm in justice” becomes overshadowed by an overemphasis on personal piety divorced from societal reform.

Second, the silence of scholars empowers tyranny. Oppressive regimes often exploit the compliance of religious figures to legitimize their actions, portraying their rule as divinely sanctioned. Without moral leadership, communities are left fragmented and incapable of resisting systemic abuse. This creates a vicious cycle where corruption becomes entrenched, perpetuating the suffering of millions.

Finally, feel-good Islam alienates younger generations. Today’s youth face unique challenges—identity crises, mental health struggles, and existential questions—that are often ignored by religious leaders. Sermons that fail to address these issues feel irrelevant to modern life, driving young Muslims toward secular ideologies or alternative movements. A disillusioned youth risks losing faith not only in scholars but in Islam itself.

The Responsibilities of Scholars

Islamic scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, tasked with upholding truth, justice, and guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The superiority of the learned man over the
devout man is like that of the moon on the night when it is full over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the prophets who leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who accepts it accepts an abundant portion.” (Reported by al-Bazzār and graded as “good”).

This role comes with immense responsibilities, including the duty to speak the truth, advocate for the oppressed, and guide the community with courage and integrity.

1. Scholars as Embodiments of Prophetic Leadership

The Quran emphasizes the unique role of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as both a spiritual guide and a moral example:

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah often.” (Qur’an 33:21).

The Prophetic model was not confined to theoretical teachings; it was a lived example that showed how to embody divine commands in every aspect of life. The Prophet’s character, his courage in the face of oppression, and his compassion for the oppressed were essential in winning hearts and transforming society.

Scholars, as inheritors of this prophetic legacy, have a duty to reflect the same moral and ethical integrity. Their role is not merely to disseminate knowledge but to embody that knowledge, connecting theory with practice. This is critical because human psychology thrives on tangible examples. People are far more likely to believe and act upon a teaching when they see it exemplified in a living person. The Prophet’s companions were deeply influenced by witnessing his actions, which made his teachings not just theoretical, but profoundly real.

2. The Psychological Power of a Living Example

Modern psychological studies affirm that people internalize values more effectively through real-life examples than through abstract concepts alone. Witnessing a leader act on their principles creates a stronger connection between belief and practice.

When scholars embody the courage to challenge injustice and the integrity to uphold their teachings, they inspire others to do the same. Conversely, when scholars focus solely on preaching without action, they risk undermining their credibility and alienating the community. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated that leadership is not merely about instruction but about living the values one preaches.

3. Speaking Truth to Power

The Qur’an commands believers to stand unwaveringly for justice:

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ˹from justice˺. If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then ˹know that˺ Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do...”

(Qur’an 4:135).

Scholars must uphold this principle by speaking out against systemic oppression, even when doing so comes at personal risk. The prophetic tradition clearly emphasizes that the best form of jihad is to speak truth to a tyrannical ruler (Reported in Sunan an-Nasa’i and considered authentic).

4. Providing Moral Leadership

Scholars must embody the values they preach, demonstrating courage and integrity in their actions. By addressing real issues and advocating for justice, they can restore trust in their leadership and unite fragmented communities.

5. Educating and Empowering Communities

Education is central to empowering communities. Scholars must raise awareness about collective responsibilities, inspiring Muslims to take meaningful action against injustice. True moral leadership equips individuals with the tools to navigate modern challenges while remaining grounded in their faith.

6. Integrating Spirituality and Justice

True spirituality is not confined to individual worship but extends to ethical action. Scholars must present Islam as a holistic way of life, integrating devotion with societal reform. This was the model established by the Prophet Muhammad, who balanced personal piety with the establishment of a just community.

Reclaiming Prophetic Leadership

Islam’s transformative power lies in its ability to balance personal spirituality with a commitment to justice. The time has come for scholars to rise above the limitations of feel-good Islam and reclaim their prophetic role. This requires courage, relevance, and action.

Imam Malik ibn Anas serves as a shining example of this leadership. During the Abbasid era, he was publicly beaten and imprisoned for issuing a fatwa that invalidated coerced oaths of allegiance, indirectly challenging the political legitimacy of Caliph Al-Mansur. Despite severe consequences, Imam Malik remained steadfast, demonstrating that the role of a scholar extends far beyond ritual guidance to encompass the defense of truth and justice.

Similarly, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s resistance during the Mihna (Inquisition) exemplifies the courage required of scholars. When faced with persecution for refusing to endorse the state’s theological stance, he chose imprisonment and torture over compromising his principles. His steadfastness became a beacon of hope for oppressed communities and an enduring reminder of the scholar’s role as a guardian of truth.

A Call to Action

Feel-good Islam, though comforting, cannot sustain the vibrancy and relevance of the Muslim world. Islam is a profound tradition that integrates personal devotion with collective responsibility. To reduce it to a series of motivational platitudes is to betray its transformative essence.

Scholars must reclaim their role as moral leaders, courageously speaking out against oppression and inspiring the ummah to fulfill its collective duty. As inheritors of the Prophet’s legacy, they are entrusted with guiding the community toward truth, justice, and spiritual integrity. The Quran reminds us of this profound responsibility:

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of Truth. He will then amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.”

(Qur’an 33:70-71).

The time for change is now. Only by embracing the full breadth of Islam’s teachings can scholars restore its role as a force for justice and renewal in the modern world.