Why Belief in God is Crucial for Moral and Social Harmony
When Muslim scholars and religious leaders discuss the concept of disbelief (kufr) within the Islamic teachings, they often highlight several key points that underscore its significance for both individual and societal well-being. In today's interconnected world, where personal beliefs can have far-reaching impacts, understanding why belief in God is essential can help us grasp the broader implications on morality, social harmony, and the overall structure of society.
1. Objective Morality
Morality without a God: Without belief in God, the foundation for morality becomes subjective. Instead of being grounded in an absolute and unchanging standard, individuals and societies determine right and wrong based on their personal desires, preferences, or social norms. This leads to inconsistency and a lack of a coherent moral fabric.
2. Social Harmony and Responsibility
Connection with the Divine: The belief in God directly connects individuals to a higher power, fostering a sense of responsibility not only towards oneself but also towards society and the environment. The Quran emphasizes moral virtues such as justice, charity, compassion, and community welfare, which form part of the divine moral framework. Rejection of this belief can weaken these ties, leading people to prioritize personal desires at the expense of the collective well-being.
3. Consequences of Disbelief
Impact on Society: Disbelief is not merely a personal choice; it carries broader societal consequences. A society that collectively rejects God may fall into moral relativism, where materialism, greed, selfishness, and injustice prevail. The absence of belief in an afterlife or divine accountability can lead people to justify actions that harm others or the environment without facing ultimate consequences. This can be seen as a fulfillment of Quranic verse 2:30, which highlights the concerns of the angels with regard to the human failure to believe in God.
“Remember when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to place a successive human authority on earth.’ They asked Allah, ‘Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?’ Allah responded, ‘I know what you do not know.’” - Quran 2:30
4. The Design of Life
Purpose of Life: In Islamic perspective, the Earth and human life are designed with a specific purpose—to recognize and submit to the Creator. When humans align their lives with this divine purpose, it results in balance, peace, and justice. Denial of this purpose disrupts that harmony, as people pursue personal desires without regard for the greater divine plan, leading to societal decay, exploitation, and suffering.
5. Disbelievers' Responsibility
Broader Impacts: Those who deny Allah and divine guidance are not just harming themselves; they are also depriving the world of values that come from living according to God's moral framework. Such individuals push society away from the path that leads to peace and justice, thus bearing responsibility for the negative outcomes of this detachment from God.
In summary, belief in God extends beyond mere religious practice; it is essential for establishing a moral and socially harmonious society. By upholding divine principles, individuals and societies can create an environment where justice, compassion, and prosperity thrive, benefiting both the material and spiritual aspects of life.
Reflect on Divine Blessings
The Quran emphasizes that by seeking forgiveness from God, believers receive tangible blessings, including increased wealth, thriving families, fertile lands, and flowing rivers. These signs illustrate that living in harmony with divine principles brings not just individual happiness but societal prosperity as well.
By disconnecting from these divine principles through disbelief, we risk missing out on the very things that make life truly fulfilling, both materially and spiritually. In today's world, embracing belief in God is not just a personal choice but a conscious decision to contribute to a more harmonious and just society.