The distinction that sets humans apart from all other creatures is the power to make choice. This choice is fundamental to the purpose of the creation of mankind. Te history of mankind is actually the unfolding of the power to choose. From Adam down to the last person to come on this earth, Allah has granted the right to make a choice to all. But this choice is not about what to take and what to drop in the matters of instant. It is actually the moral realm where this choice is exercised. And it is here that the element of responsibility – hence punishment and reward – comes into play. It is here that the fight between good and evil happens. The beauty of cultures and nations lies in the fact that they make right choices in the matters of conduct. A simple way of explaining it is that they speak truth, exercise daily matters in a transparent and honest way, don’t harm others and are generous to the fellow beings. The basic matters of ethics that all the peoples and nations across the spectrum of time and space know pose the real test. The exhibition of goodness is not what matters. That is why we observe people who wear faith up their sleeves but when it comes to dealings they falter. Howsoever stridently they clamour about faith, they prove by their deeds that they are not on the side of good. Every religion emphasizes the importance of being truthful in dealings. Actually the real test of faith is in its potential to benefit others. And the lone way to make ones faith profitable for the society is to observe unfailingly the fundamental moral principles that are upheld by all religions. Looking at our own society through this prism, one only gets disheartened. We talk much about religion but observe its principles in the least. That is our undoing as a collectivity. If we dispassionately look into this aspect of our practical life we might discover the reasons of our plight.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Nov 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Nov 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 IST