Injustice and the Ideology of Cruelty (11)

Challenges of Instilling Values


It is not an easy task as a minority society with limited resources, to curb the influences of cruel ideology amongst local youths, and there also aren’t any short cuts that can be taken to overcome the problems that are being faced now. The concern for radicalism is not limited to the young as adults may also be influenced by this ideology, although the impact is more apparent in the youths because of their tendency toward the developments of internet technology and a more daring attitude in taking risks by doing things that are radical in nature.

To inculcate desired values is not like a `cut and paste’ exercise, by following, as an example the wanted form and model of a certain nation or society and then instilling that example upon the society. This matter is not as simple as that and if this is done will create a characteristically superficial society that appears beautiful only on the surface but does not reflect noble Islam in practice. Whatever changes specifically in ideological issues relate closely to self confidence or an understanding of man’s way of thinking, a change that takes place from within that community itself as confirmed by Allah SWT’s decree in Surah Ar Rad, verse 11, which reads:

"إن الله لا يغير ما بقوم حتى يغيروا ما بأنفسهم"

Which means:` Verily never will God change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls)’.









This verse clearly explains to us all, that whatever changes and characteristics that we want to inculcate into a certain society would require the co-operation from every Islamic leader and local Islamic institutions, working as a team to design the desired change or model and it is this synergy that will create an ideal Islamic society.

For noble traits to be inculcated in the local Islamic society, a synergistic co-operation need to exist that is suitable for a nation of diverse religions and cultures, and most importantly the correct noble values of Islamic `wasathiah’, i.e. moderate or middle path, reflecting justice and compassionate empathy within mankind.

Challenges of Ideologies

There currently exist various ideologies that are adhered to by people of different backgrounds, religions and nations of this world. The meaning of ideology itself has different interpretations.

There definitely are similarities and differences between them. The concepts and ideologies that have cruel elements as their basis are not related to Islam, as Islamic teachings prevent and strongly prohibit (haram), whatever form of cruelty done by man. Islam in fact commands every follower to oppose and prevent all kinds of violence and cruelty that cause damages, destruction and suffering to the earth and its inhabitants.

All parties have a role and need to work together to curb and prevent all kinds of cruelty. No party is exempted from these efforts, irrespective of different backgrounds of race, religion and ideologies that they have. All parties have a role to play in safeguarding and ensuring peace, harmony and prosperity of the people. This problem faced is not focused on just a certain group, religion or nation but it encompasses every individual and all parties should work together to ensure that the concept and ideology of cruelty can be contained and does not influenced the thoughts and souls of future generations. If this can be done, the wishes and desires of every faction for harmony and peace in this world of many different races, cultures and religions, can be realized and experienced together.

The End

Ustaz Abdul Jalil Abdul Razak