That is an interesting point, I haven't thought of it that way. Although another reason for researching religion would be that they actually are interested in it and want to know more to be closer to their God or to clear up misunderstandings.
Yes and they rarely do clear the misunderstandings, and the time spent obsessing is quite sad, because we are most receptive to education prior to our twenties, we are also most productive at least quantity-wise in our twenties. Once those years are robbed and distracted in drugs or religion, we would be kind of screwed for life.
The time spent obsessing is out of fear of hell so I don't blame them. But I have seen many cloud their own judgement so they can believe what they want to believe about religion. I have spoken to muslims who believe that God is absolutely perfect and use the 'we have a feeble mind/God knows best' excuses so many times to explain things that I feel even they disagree with. I think this is maybe what you are talking about? I've been in similar situations myself where I used to use those excuses and from this I can tell you it is too easy to trick yourself into believing these doubts are nothing.
I'm not sure if your reasons will apply to everyone. Denial will play a part in many people. It's also natural to feel doubtful at times but I don't think that's enough to let people see through the illusion. I know a great number of people are actually agnostics deep down but then I'm quite sure many are agnostic theists rather than agnostic atheists.
Seeing through the illusion of a loving master generally comes long before any form of agnosticism occurs. However, my opinion that most muslims are personally afraid of allah is only based on my observation of an islamic society that can speak arabic. I do not know how islam is packaged to indonesians or indians.
I don't disagree with you there, I'm sure most theists who's religion preaches of hell are afraid of God. My observations are from those who don't speak arabic but the average muslim in the UK who has been fed bull by mosques and books that tell of 'scientific miracles'. My dad being the main one, he constantly mentions things written in the Quran that can be attributed to being even remotely scientific. He really does feel that Quran is perfect and always talks of how great Islam is.
The younger muslims I have seen tend to be in denial of any criticism of the Quran and make excuses each time. They have become too accustomed to thinking it is perfect.
It's possible to both fear and love at the same time but I guess this begs the question of is it really love or just fear? I do know there are some muslims who go past the fear and have only love for Allah but one has to ask do they really fear God deep down?
Saying this you probably have better experience than me as I'm still quite young and haven't chatted to many adults, just the devoted muslims on the internet who constantly defend and deny, many of whom are young.
Topic: In heaven but still afraid