Social
Conscience in Islam
Mohammed Ali Musofer
A
large portion of the Holy Quran and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) engage
with social issues and human responsibilities. The ethical dimension of Islam
portrays an individual, who is socially active and morally responsible,
striving for the betterment of society.
Islam has given high value to human dignity by terming the human being as Ashraf-ul Mukhluqat—the noblest of creatures. It also highlights the factors that affect human dignity negatively such as ignorance, deprivation and disease. Hence, it stresses on eliminating such conditions to maintain human dignity.
Today,
our society is facing daunting challenges such as poverty, ignorance, injustice
etc. To respond to such challenges there is a dire need to reflect on the place
of the social conscience in Islam in order to seek guidance.
The
Holy Quran extends comprehensible guidelines for success in individual as well
as social life. It clearly says “there is not for man except that [good] for
which he strives” (53:39). Similarly, a nation’s transformation depends on its
social awareness and struggle for improvement, as the Quran says, “…God does
not change the condition of [a] people until they change what is in
themselves….” (13:11).
The
Holy Quran lucidly teaches that it is the moral responsibility of the capable
to help the less capable and less privileged. There are many examples in the
Quran which underline the responsibilities towards a vast range of people. The
following
verse beautifully depicts the multiple social responsibilities of a person:
“…And do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are
near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye
meet), and what your right hands possess. For Allah loveth not the arrogant,
the vainglorious” (4:36).
The
above examples indicate that where social consciousness is imperative for the
success of individuals and society, the same fulfilment of social
responsibility is equally important for the development of humanity.
The
life of the Prophet is the best example of how to be sensitive towards social
and moral responsibilities. This social conscience on part of the Prophet ﷺ was
not on specific occasions or specific days, but he conducted himself in such a
way throughout his life.
There are numerous hadiths pertaining to the
Prophet ﷺ which stress on ethical values related to social responsibilities.
For example, he has said “the best people are those who benefit others”.
The Prophet ﷺ devoted his life to reflecting on
and seeking solutions to the issues and challenges of the society he lived in.
He actively participated in social life particularly by helping and needy and
less capable.
The Quran and teachings of the Prophet provide
us valuable principles to reflect on and seek solutions to the challenges of
the society in which we live. Today, our society is facing many challenges in
terms of the economy, education and healthcare. Hence, society needs the active
participation of people for a collective response to the daunting challenges
rather than waiting for the government and others.
It is evident that developed nations did not
progress only because of the role of government. Rather, the citizens played an
active part in the development of their societies. The role of civil society
cannot be overlooked in the progress and development of any society in the
contemporary world. It is civil society which provides opportunities for the
common people to have a role in the development of society.
Looking at the magnitude of our problems it is
obvious that the government cannot respond to them alone. Therefore, the
problem demands the active engagement of the people. Our faith provides us
precious social/moral principles as well as practical examples to respond to
the prevailing challenges of society. In order to make such ideals and
principles part of our individual and social lives, serious steps need to be
taken at multiple levels. Education and the media can be influential in this
regard.
Education can play a vital role in imparting
the ethical dimension of Islam, particularly focusing on social
responsibilities. Religion should not be taught in isolation debating only the
theological aspects. Rather, the ethical aspects of Islam need to be discussed
by relating them with the learner’s life. The teachings of Islam related to
humanism should be reflected in the curriculum and teaching-learning process.
Today, the media is considered a powerful tool
to educate citizens of a society. Therefore, it can be an effective source to
educate people about the social dimension of our faith. In our society, there
are examples of some civil society organizations which are actively engaged in
responding to critical issues. Such examples should be highlighted to motivate
people to play their role in society by being part of such organizations. The
spirit of service and volunteerism also needs to be promoted in the youth in
order to take part in solving issues.
In sum, Islam has given a high place to the social conscience by forwarding valuable ideals and examples of how to fulfil social responsibilities. It is, therefore, important to go beyond mere rhetoric and take serious steps at multiple levels to make such values part of our individual as well as social lives in order to respond to the emerging challenges of our society.
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