Yesterday someone asked me this question “when we are trying to become closer to God why people around us become judgmental “what is it about?
This is a profound question and touches on several aspects of human behavior, psychology, and spirituality
In my opinion , When someone embarks on a spiritual journey, they often undergo personal transformations. These changes can be unsettling for those around them who might fear the unknown or feel threatened by the new perspectives and behaviors of the person on this journey. People often feel more comfortable when things remain predictable and familiar.
Seeing someone else strive for spiritual growth can prompt others to reflect on their own lives and choices. This reflection can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, especially if they feel they are not living up to similar ideals. As a defensive mechanism, they might project their insecurities as judgment towards the person pursuing the growth.
Spiritual journeys are deeply personal and can be misunderstood by those who are not on the same path.People might not fully understand the motivations or the significance of the journey, leading to misconceptions and critical attitudes
In many societies, especially in Pakistani culture there are established norms and expectations regarding religion and spirituality. When you are extremely religious you are perceived as molana vs normal people that just follow the norm Deviating from these norms, or even appearing to be more devout or spiritual than others, can sometimes be seen as challenging the status quo. This can elicit judgment from those who feel their own beliefs or lifestyle choices are being implicitly criticized or questioned.
Sometimes, people may perceive those on a spiritual journey as adopting a "holier-than-thou" attitude, even if it is unintentional. This perceived spiritual elitism can provoke judgment as others might feel looked down upon or judged themselves, leading them to react defensively.
Everyone is on their own unique path, and judgment often says more about the person being judgmental than the one being judged.Being open about why one is perusing that journey can often make transition easier!