Religious Faith and Fatalism

Islamic faith permeates the mountaineers' worldview, providing solace, justification for action, and a framework for understanding fate, while also being manipulated by leaders like Shamil for political control.

Hadji Murád performs his nightly prayer even in the midst of flight, and reflects on his faith in fortune and fate.

The Murid movement's call to Ghazavát (holy war) and the dying murid's exhortation to Hadji Murád to join reflect the role of religious faith in the conflict.

The murids debate the holiness of Shamil and Mansúr, and Hadji Murád pauses to pray at the appointed time.

Shamil's proclamation urges endurance and trust in divine reward, and his decisions are framed as guided by the Prophet's voice.