I can definitely see that aspect of it. I've also remarked before on how it's by far the quickest way for an otherwise unremarkable/average young Muslim man to gain sudden (undue) esteem in a community. Alternatively, I think many of them psychologically turn to faith in an effort to exterminate certain tendencies or attitudes that they may be ashamed of, or even legitimately feel they might go to hell for, and therefore attempt to mask it without addressing it properl, only for it to proliferate itself in adverse ways. I highly doubt this behavior is sudden or new to NAK, and it likely extends to his 'pre-practicing' self. It's like how pedos psychologically turn to extreme forms of religious creed that self-condemns them to a life of celibacy to superficially self-police, only for it backfire and end up taking the innocence of young children. Unfortunately, religion cannot give you new character.