As I've been reading this month a recurring theme has been a constant source of annoyance. What is the role of doubt in faith? We are told doubt is important and that search is essential in one's faith practice. However, again and again Allah discusses those who did not heed the message of the Quran and deems these individuals or groups as arrogant, noting that they are incurring a grave punishment in the hereafter. For example, in Surah al Jathiyah (Upon their knees), Allah says,
He hears the signs of God recited unto him, then persists arrogantly as if he did not hear it. So give him glad tidings of a painful punishment. And when he comes to know aught of Our signs he takes them in mockery. For them there shall be a humiliating punishment. (45: 8-10).
I am so uncomfortable thinking that if one doesn't accept the religion based on the revealed text of that context , they are doomed. How can this be with a God so compassionate and merciful. Are we just supposed to know in our bones? Religion isn't an easy proposition to accept. Are there other alternatives of how we can interpret the arrogance of the unbelievers? How can we think of belief on a continuum such that being a believer or non-believer isn't so black and white?
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