The resurgence of religious zeal is often blamed for deepening cultural divisions, fueling political polarisation, and complicating global discourse. Many see the unwavering conviction of religious belief—whether expressed through prominent religious figures, megachurches, or violent extremist groups—as the root cause of social tensions. From the condemnation of the West’s secularism by religious leaders, to the proliferation of Protestant megachurches in the U.S. that advocate absolute adherence to Scripture, to violent extremists invoking God to justify their actions, religious certainty is frequently linked to the breakdown of rational dialogue and tolerance.
However, the examples often used to support this argument may not be as representative as they appear. While figures like the Pope or the leaders of megachurches represent mainstream Christianity, can the same be said for extremist groups like al-Qaeda, who claim to act in the name of Islam? Al-Qaeda’s violent actions, which they justify by invoking God, should not be seen as a reflection of Islam itself. To link their crimes to Islam is not only unjust but also deeply misleading. These extremists misappropriate religious language to sanction violence, but in reality their actions are a distortion of the faith, not its true expression.
The idea that religious certainty leads to cultural and political divides can be challenged on two fronts. First, it assumes without evidence that certainty in religious belief inherently causes irrational behaviours like intolerance, authoritarianism, and terrorism. Second, it mistakenly equates the experiences of one religion—namely Christianity—with those of others, assuming that all religions are similarly structured and that their followers experience faith in the same way. This oversimplifies the diverse ways in which different faiths approach certainty and belief.
Some propose that a solution lies in reshaping religious belief itself—advocating for a faith based not on certainty, but on what is called spiritual humility and sincere religious doubt. The argument is that doubt can actually strengthen faith, leading to a more tolerant and moderate believer. Belief, according to this view, should not be about blind submission, but rather an open-eyed acceptance that acknowledges the limitations of human understanding. In this framework, doubt becomes a tool to foster humility, forcing believers to recognise that they do not possess all the answers, and that faith is a continual search for truth.
However, this idea of faith is not relevant for Muslims, whose concept of belief, or iman, is grounded in certainty, not doubt. In Islam, certainty in the ultimate truths—such as the oneness of God (Tawhid), the afterlife, and the consequences of one’s actions—is essential to spiritual peace and tranquility. Certainty is seen as a permanent and stable condition, deeply felt in the heart, and it reflects knowledge and justice. Islam is a conscious and willing submission to God, and this submission cannot be rooted in doubt, as doubt contradicts the very essence of knowledge.
The idea that true belief arises from doubt, as some suggest, contradicts the Islamic understanding of faith. If truth is something desirable and worth seeking, why would anyone intentionally distance themselves from it? Moreover, if doubt is necessary for belief, then it follows that one would never truly know the truth, since belief, in this view, is inherently based on uncertainty. This paradox undermines the idea that doubt can be the foundation of genuine faith.
For Muslims, faith must be based on knowledge and certainty. Doubt does not nurture faith; it weakens it. Islam teaches that belief is not a matter of wilful uncertainty, but of knowing the truth and submitting to it with certainty. True belief, in Islam, is a reflection of knowledge—a conscious and willing submission to God’s will. This stands in contrast to the idea that belief is validated by persistent distance from the truth.
This is not to say that one cannot change beliefs or question them. In Islam, the pursuit of knowledge and truth is a lifelong endeavour, but it is grounded in the firm conviction that certain truths, such as the existence of God and the afterlife, are known with certainty. To reject this certainty in favour of perpetual doubt would be to reject the very foundation of Islamic belief.
Faith and belief shape our actions and decisions. As the philosopher Voltaire noted, “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.” So ideas have consequences, and the sincerity of one’s conviction alone is not enough. But many people acquire beliefs not through genuine investigation or understanding but by suppressing their doubts. This is unacceptable in Islam, where belief must be rooted in knowledge and certainty.
In fact, some Islamic theologians argue that belief without supporting proof is equivalent to disbelief. While this view is debated, all scholars agree that individuals are responsible for their beliefs and must ensure they are based on sound knowledge. Hence, the first and foremost obligation of every Muslim is to seek knowledge of the ultimate truth and live accordingly. Thus, the pursuit of certainty and knowledge is central to the Islamic conception of faith. Belief in Islam is not merely an abstract concept; it is a lived experience that shapes one’s actions, decisions, and relationship with the Creator. Certainty is not only possible, it is necessary for a truly meaningful and fulfilling life.
