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Segregation of Morality from Religion
Editorial
(26 Jan 09)
Degradation of moral values in our society is a favourite topic of daily
conversation these days. Every thinking soul seems to lament the state of
our collective moral fiber. Being honest, truthful, just and compassionate
seem to be attributes of bye-gone days, not to be seen in contemporary
society, at least in this country named Pakistan (Land of the pure).
An analytical look at the causes of this degradation brings out one very
crucial point. A turning point in our cultural history, when enemies of
Islam decided to weaken it by segregating morality from religious practices.
When did this begin cannot be exactly determined, but those of age would
remember in one of the movies in the early 60's where the Hero of the movie
who is a dacoit by profession, immediately responds to the Azan (call of
prayers) and when the Heroine asks him why is he robbing and praying at the
same time, he replies "chori mera paisha, namaz mera farz" (robbery is my
profession while prayers is my obligation).
The importance of moral values in Islam can well be highlighted by
recounting the fact that the Prophet of Islam established himself as 'Sadiq'
and 'Amin' (Truthful and Trustworthy) for forty years, before he
declared he was the prophet of Allah and the people believed him because of
his record of being truthful and trust- worthy throughout his life.
Now, unfortunately, we are neither truthful nor trustworthy -thanks to those
who have successfully maneuvered to deliver these basic attributes of the
Prophet, redundant in Muslims.
It is a tragic truth that neither in the Mosque sermons nor Tablighi congregations,
adequate mention is made about the two core attributes of our Prophet. In fact, honesty,
truthfulness, trustworthiness, justice, compassion, mean little to our
religious preachers, while drinking, dancing, watching TV etc seem to be
their prime targets of concern. The fact that drinking alcohol and taking/giving bribe
are both haram (prohibited) in Islam and the later is prohibited more
vehemently, but whereas drinking is admonished in almost every sermon,
bribery is hardly ever mentioned. In fact the curse of bribery has become so
common in our society that the preachers think it 'prudent' to turn a blind
eye to it.
Now, that, because of our laxity in observing the golden principles of Islam
and corrupting our priorities, money has become the winner and has become
more powerful than life for Muslims. It is the need of the hour that a Jehad
be waged against telling lies, cheating, untrustworthiness, callousness,
injustice, discompassion, bribery and all money related weaknesses that
encompass us. This will also be a natural detente to terrorism
and extremism- bi-product of the aforementioned ills.
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