How Does Doubt on the Path Slow Our Progress Toward Our Goal?
Doubt, by its very nature, clouds our perspective, slowing or even halting our progress. The most significant movement in our lives is the journey toward eternity. Therefore, we must identify and confront the factors that threaten this journey and pose risks. One such factor is doubt on the path, which acts as a barrier to our speed and momentum in moving toward eternity. But what causes doubt on the path, and does every form of doubt lead to a standstill in our pursuit of eternity?
We either have certainty and sufficient understanding of our path and how to traverse it, or, for various reasons—such as denying the truth—we fall into some kinds of doubt and uncertainty. Almost every rational person would agree that overcoming doubt requires reasoning. We must reflect on the experiences and knowledge we have gained through various means, using this reflection as a foundation for rational thought. This process helps us move beyond doubt and uncertainty, leading to inner conviction and assurance. However, this depends entirely on our determination—how long we allow ourselves to linger in these moments of hesitation and how quickly we strive to resolve our doubts. Failure to address these uncertainties may leave us stalled for a lifetime, cause us to regress, or even lead to our failure in moving toward eternity. Thus, it is crucial to both understand doubt and nourish our souls properly to pave the way for overcoming uncertainties and doubt on the path. Doubt will not disappear without effort and action on our part, and if left unchecked, it may spread to other aspects of our being.
Causes of Doubt
While the reasons for doubt vary depending on the type of doubt we experience, there are generally a few fundamental factors that create fertile ground for doubt on the path.
The extent to which we become attached to worldly desires and succumb to moral vices determines how vulnerable we are to doubt. As our hearts drift further from their true essence—God—and align with worldly matters, material desires, and personal motives, we distance ourselves from ma’rifa, wisdom, and the source of stability. This opens the door to thoughts and inclinations such as temptation, doubt, and uncertainty. Our actions and behaviors can either pave the way for doubt and temptation to take hold or help us overcome them. For instance, feelings like resentment or jealousy, though personal, can discourage us from aligning with a movement or group of people.
Our duty is to move toward eternity, maintain our well-being on this path, and stay on the straight path. Satan uses every tool at his disposal, including doubt, as a powerful weapon to weaken, slow, or stop us on this journey. For example, when he cannot shake our faith in fundamental matters, he may use smaller, subtler doubts to achieve his goal. If these minor doubts are not addressed, they can become more intense and grow into larger, more significant uncertainties.
We must also not overlook the power of ignorance or lack of sufficient knowledge about a subject. Naturally, when we lack comprehensive understanding of a matter, we become susceptible to temptations and doubts, unable to stand firm against opposing views or challenging circumstances. It is akin to entering a dark room without knowing its layout—our lack of knowledge can cause hesitation, undermining our confidence and resolve. Just as we avoid exposing ourselves to viruses or harmful agents, we must also steer clear of conditions that foster doubt and uncertainty on our path.
In essence, doubt creates inner turmoil, but the moment we resolve it in any area, we attain certainty and peace.
Is Doubt Always Dangerous?
Not all doubt is inherently harmful! In fact, doubt that serves as a stepping stone to certainty can be beneficial. Throughout life, we encounter many situations that are initially unclear or uncertain, but over time, through experience and understanding, they become clear. For example, decisions we were not initially confident about or choices that seemed vague and confusing eventually became certain as time passed and we gained knowledge and insight. Because we have explored various aspects of such matters to reach this certainty, we naturally attain a deeper level of conviction and belief. Thus, doubt can be a valuable bridge to certainty, but it is not a place to linger. If we dwell in doubt too long, it may even hinder our journey toward eternity.
On our path toward eternity, we will undoubtedly face moments of doubt. This is especially true during pivotal times, such as adolescence, when we are solidifying the foundations of our beliefs, or when we encounter significant decisions or affliction. When resolved, these doubts can become a springboard for growth and a means of salvation.
The Importance of Overcoming Destructive Doubt
If we are aware of the ultimate purpose of our creation as human beings, and if we see ourselves as individuals journeying toward our true home, we will naturally align all aspects of our lives with this eternal destination. Achieving the blessings of eternity requires a sound heart, the foundations of which are laid in this world. As the central actors in this journey, we are responsible for cultivating this readiness and preparing ourselves for the realities of this world.
However, one of the dangerous consequences of doubt is that it hinders this process of inner growth and development. True growth occurs only when we wholeheartedly embrace something, and doubt stands in direct opposition to such acceptance. Not only does it slow or halt our progress on this path, but it also distances us from the healthy transformation we need for eternal life.
In this article, we explored the dangerous consequences of doubt on the path toward eternity. We noted that when doubt leads to certainty, it strengthens our convictions. However, destructive doubt that obstructs our inner growth can slow our progress or even bring our journey toward eternity to a standstill.