Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Moral and Ethical Factors behind the Decay of Islamic Society (Part 2)

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 30 April 2025 Introduction In Part 1, we explored how the erosion of family values, the failing educational system, and the harmful influence of mass media have led to the moral decay of Muslim society. This second part will delve into deeper spiritual causes, focusing on the neglect of religious education, the prevalence of bribery, the destructive effects of usury (Riba), immodesty, and the vital need for individual responsibility within the community. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Moral and Ethical Factors behind the Decay of Islamic Society (Part 1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Muslims, we firmly believe that true revival is not only possible but necessary. It can only be achieved through sincere repentance, a return to the teachings of Islam, and a collective commitment to reform. 4. Lack of Religious Education and Upbringing in Children In today’s world, parents are often consumed by the desire for their children's academic success, but the spiritual upbringing of their children is neglected. Essentials like Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), and Qur'an recitation are often side-lined in favour of schoolwork. As a result, children graduate from universities with degrees in medicine, engineering, and other fields, yet they remain ignorant of even the basics of their faith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge for every Muslim: "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 224) Solution: Islamic education must begin early and be prioritized as a foundational element in a child's development. It should not be viewed as secondary to academic pursuits. A Muslim child's primary identity should be rooted in Islam, not merely in their academic or professional titles. 5. Unveiled Women and Girls The Qur'an instructs Muslim women to observe modesty, both in their actions and in their attire, as a means of protecting their dignity. The Sahabiyat (female companions of the Prophet) practiced this by covering their faces during Hajj to maintain their modesty. As Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: "When caravans would pass by, we would lower our Jilbabs from our heads over our faces." (Sunan Abi Dawood: 1833) Solution: Parents must instil the importance of modest dress in their daughters from a young age, leading by example in both behaviour and attire. Modesty is not only a form of protection but a mark of dignity and respect. 6. Bribery Bribery remains a significant cause of societal corruption. It undermines justice, perpetuates inequality, and spreads oppression. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against this practice: "Allah curses the briber and the one who takes a bribe." (Sunan Abi Dawood: 3580) Even facilitating a bribe, whether by offering or accepting, is a transgression in the eyes of Allah. Exception: If a person is unjustly denied their lawful right and can only obtain it through offering a bribe, it is hoped that the guilt falls not on the giver but on the corrupt system that compels such actions. 7. Usury (Riba): A Sin That Destroys Humanity Riba, or usury, is explicitly prohibited in the Qur'an due to its exploitative nature. It involves guaranteed profits without taking on any risk, thus leading to financial oppression and inequality. Allah warns us in the Qur'an: "Those who consume Riba will not stand on the Day of Judgment except like the standing of a person beaten by Satan into insanity." (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:275) In today’s world, Riba is pervasive in banking systems, loans, and investments. Many people attempt to justify it by labelling it as "profit" or "interest," but this does not change its fundamental nature as a prohibited act. 8. Negligence in Fulfilling Rights Major sins involving the violation of human rights, such as stealing, slandering, or harming others, are not forgiven until the wronged party forgives the offender. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The bankrupt one is he who comes with prayers, fasting, and zakat — but has wronged others — and his good deeds are taken away until he has none left." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 2418) Solution: Muslims must prioritize fulfilling the rights of others and seek forgiveness for any past wrongs before facing the ultimate accountability in the Hereafter. 9. The Role of Every Individual in Society Every Muslim has a responsibility within their sphere of influence. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every one of you is a shepherd and every one of you is responsible for his flock." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 2300) This includes leaders, parents, teachers, scholars, and even ordinary individuals. Each person has a duty to guide, protect, and nurture righteousness in their community. Conclusion The causes behind the decay of Muslim society are vast, and the solutions require a deep and sincere commitment to change. However, the solution is clear and eternal: a sincere return to the Qur'an and Sunnah, coupled with individual and collective reformation, is the only way forward for true revival, dignity, and success. May Allah grant us the wisdom to recognize our shortcomings and the strength to correct them. Ameen. ------ Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/moral-ethical-decay-islamic-society-part-2/d/135369 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

No comments:

Post a Comment