The Holy Qur'an is not only a spiritual and ethical guide but also a roadmap for organising social life and combating its afflictions. This treatise, by reflecting on divine verses, examines four fundamental themes: inert knowledge, the peak of corruption, kinship bonds, and peace and well-being. These themes, rooted in Qur'anic teachings, act as illuminating lamps guiding the path towards societal reform and avoidance of degradation. The aim of this work is to provide a profound elucidation of these concepts in clear and dignified language, serving as a guide for scholars and seekers of truth in comprehending the Divine Word and applying it within social life.
The Holy Qur'an considers scholars as guardians of wisdom and knowledge, tasked with directing society towards righteousness by forbidding corruption. However, when knowledge is separated from action, it not only fails to yield good but may become a tool for crime and corruption.
Why were there not among the generations before you those of understanding who forbade corruption on the earthexcept a few of them whom We saved? But the wrongdoers pursued what luxury they were given, and they were criminals.
Surah Hud (11:116)
Verse 116 of Surah Hud explicitly refers to the responsibility of scholars and wise individuals (Ulu Baqiyyah) concerning corruption. These individuals, endowed with knowledge and power, are obliged to rescue society from degradation by forbidding corruption. Except for a small group saved due to their steadfastness against corruption, many scholars pursued personal interests and supported oppressors. This verse likens inert knowledge to a knife that produces crime and wrongdoing instead of good.
Knowledge is like a light that, if not employed in the path of good, extends the darkness of corruption. Scholars, as guardians of this light, must courageously and practically oppose injustice and corruption; otherwise, they become part of the corrupt cycle.
Inert knowledge neither leads to societal reform nor benefit but may justify oppression and corruption. The Holy Qur'an, by emphasising the responsibility of scholars, commands them to guide society towards righteousness by forbidding corruption. This section highlights the essential linkage between knowledge and action and warns that scholars silence in the face of corruption results in its spread.
Corruption is akin to a pestilence that dries up the roots of society. The Holy Qur'an, by elucidating examples of corruption and its punishments, provides strategies for its prevention.
And seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.
Surah Al-Qasas (28:77)
> And Pharaoh said, Let me kill Moses and let him call upon his Lord. Indeed, I fear that he will change your religion or cause corruption in the land.
Surah Ghafir (40:26)
Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment.
Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:33)
Verse 77 of Surah Al-Qasas invites humanity to balance between this world and the Hereafter, forbidding tyranny and selfishness (Baghy). Emphasising reciprocal benevolence, the verse commands people to do good as God has done good to them. In contrast, verse 26 of Surah Ghafir illustrates a form of corruption whereby Pharaoh, under the pretext of protecting religion and preventing corruption, sought to suppress the Divine Prophet. This claim of reform concealed the preservation of power and the spread of corruption.
Verse 33 of Surah Al-Maidah decisively addresses severe punishments for corrupters. Due to the destructive societal effects of corruption, stringent penalties are required to maintain social order. At the height of corruption, organised groups arise that commit crimes with ease, stemming from societal indifference towards corruption.
Corruption is like a flood which, if not restrained, devastates the foundations of society. The Holy Qur'an exposes the tactics of corrupters and stresses harsh punishments, paving the way for prevention.
Corruption, disguised behind false claims of reform, can drive society toward degradation. The Holy Qur'an, by clarifying instances of corruption and its penalties, urges vigilance and righteous action to confront this plague. Maintaining balance between worldly life and the Hereafter, and avoiding selfishness, are key principles for corruption prevention.
Kinship bonds are like threads that strengthen social and familial ties. Severing these threads leads to societal decline and the proliferation of corruption.
Then is it to be expected of you, if you should be guided, that you would do mischief in the land and sever your ties of kinship? Those are the ones whom Allah has cursed and made deaf and blinded their vision.
Surah Muhammad (47:22-23)
Verses 22 and 23 of Surah Muhammad identify severance of kinship as a manifestation of corruption on earth. This rupture, leading to alienation among relatives and even widespread migrations, disrupts social cohesion. Those who sever kinship ties are subject to divine curse, rendered deaf and blind to truth. These verses refer to tangible examples in Islamic societies where alienation of kin has resulted in enmity and hatred.
Kinship bonds are like bridges connecting individuals and communities. The destruction of these bridges results not only in emotional estrangement but also in social disintegration and hostility.
Severing kinship ties, as a root of corruption, endangers social cohesion. The Holy Qur'an emphasises preservation of family bonds through love and intimacy to prevent social rupture. This principle offers contemporary societies guidance for fostering solidarity and avoiding resentment and enmity.
Peace and well-being are like a breeze that refreshes the spirit of society. The Holy Qur'an, by inviting believers to peace and the use of pleasant speech, urges them to advance towards love and reconciliation with courage and strength.
O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not invalidate your deeds.
Surah Muhammad (47:33)
So do not weaken and call for peace while you are superior, and Allah is with you and will never deprive you of your deeds.
Surah Muhammad (47:35)
Verses 33 and 35 of Surah Muhammad emphasise two foundational principles in the Islamic community: obedience to God and the Messenger, and the use of kind speech (Qawl Maruf). Calling for peace is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of courage and superiority. These verses invite believers to avoid backbiting, slander, and hostility, underscoring that pleasant speech is the key to creating a healthy and cohesive society.
The Holy Qur'an, as a sociological text, demands that humans build a society free from violence and enmity through pleasant speech and invitation to peace. This call requires bravery and power and is a sign of believers superiority.
The invitation to peace and the use of pleasant speech constitute key principles for establishing a healthy and cohesive society. The Holy Qur'an, by emphasising obedience and kind words, guides believers towards love and reconciliation. These principles serve as valuable guidance for contemporary communities to foster peace and eschew violence.
The Holy Qur'an, by elucidating the concepts of inert knowledge, corruption, kinship bonds, and peace, provides a comprehensive roadmap for societal reform. Inert knowledge leads to corruption rather than good, and scholars bear the responsibility to forbid corruption and guide society towards righteousness. Corruption, cloaked in deceptive claims of reform, threatens societal foundations and necessitates decisive punishment. Kinship bonds, as a pillar
