MORAL AND ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIETY
Harmonious Living
ALL major religions have two different aspects theology and the moral scheme. Theology means the set of beliefs or doctrinal base of a religion; in other words, the inner contents of a religion. Whereas, the moral scheme of a religion refers to its ethical system. In terms of theology, there are differences between religions. For example, some religions have the monistic concept of God, while other religions believe in the monotheistic concept of God.
Differences of this kind have always been the subject of discussion among theologians, and no doubt they will continue to be so in future. But like other intellectual discussions about differences, these are basically confined to scholars, having nothing to do with the common people. Most people can live their daily lives without concerning themselves with, or without even knowing about these issues. These issues are the concern of a few individuals and not of the majority of any society.
In terms of theology, there are differences between religions. Differences invite discussion, lead to intellectual exchange and necessitate knowing more and more about one’s own religion as well as the religion of others.
However, these differences are not simply matters about which people are at odds with each other; they also have a positive role to play. Differences invite discussion, lead to intellectual exchange and necessitate knowing more and more about one’s own religion as well as the religion of others. Thus, differences in terms of results, lead to intellectual development and enhancing the level of thinking. They lead to overall development in religious disciplines. In fact, difference is not an unwanted evil; on the contrary, it is a great good. Difference has a positive role in religious studies.
The other aspect of any religion is its ethical system. That is, the standard of moral conduct. In this area, there is little difference between religions. Almost all the religions preach the same moral values to be followed in daily life.
There are two main branches of religions: the Aryan religions and the Semitic religions. A study of both branches of religions shows that in terms of moral teachings, there are great similarities between them, and likewise with Islam. For example:
Mankind as one family
Islam teaches that all mankind is a single family. The Quran declares:
O mankind! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul. He created its mate from it and from the two of them spread countless men and women [throughout the earth]. (4: 1)
It means that all men and women share a common ancestor. That is, all men and women are brothers and sisters to one another. There is complete commonality between different races and groups of people. The Prophet of Islam declared:
Mankind is a divine family. (Al-Baihaqi)
The Prophet of Islam used to rise early in the morning and say after his morning prayer:
“O God, I bear witness that all men and women
are sisters and brothers to each other.”
(Abu Daud)
Every religion has a standard of moral conduct. In this area, there is little difference between religions. Almost all the religions preach the same moral values to be followed in daily life.
The above quoted teachings from Islamic scriptures are also found in other religions such as Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity etc. They provide the initial base of a good relationship between people. The best culture to emulate in this regard is the family culture where all its members inspite of their differences live with a sense of oneness.
This family culture is desirable on a global level among all nations and races. This kind of universal relationship is endorsed by almost all religions. There may be some differences in belief, but in terms of social life, every religious individual—irrespective of his personal traditions— should live in society just as he is living in his family.
Love and Compassion
There is a famous saying of Jesus Christ:
Love your enemy. (Luke 6: 35)
It means; love all, including your enemy. Likewise, the same teaching is to be found in the Quran. The Quran in one of its chapters gives the following guidance to its believers:
Good deeds and bad deeds are not equal. Do a good deed in return for a bad deed and you will see that your enemy has become your dearest friend. (41: 34)
Love or compassion is the greatest social value; it is the basis of all moral teachings or moral requirements. And it is also a fact that every religion aims to inculcate these values in its followers. If you study the various religions, you will find that all of them try to promote a ‘culture of love’ in society. To build a love-based society is the sole target of every religion. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. The Prophet of Islam once said:
Do with others what you want others to do with you.
(Sahih Muslim)
The same maxim is to be found in Judaism. Rabbi Hillel the Elder is known to have said:
What is hateful (or hurtful) to you, do not do to any other man.
(Talmud-Shabbat)
This is a universal teaching, given by every religion, in one form or the other. This religious teaching gives us a very simple criterion for living as a good member of society.
A family culture is desirable on a global level among all nations and races. This kind of universal relationship is endorsed by almost all religions.
Everybody knows what is good for him and what is bad for him. Apply this personal experience to all other members of society. If everyone observes this formula of moral conduct, the whole of society will emerge as a good society. This common religious rule is the simplest approach for social construction.
Peace at any Cost
The Quran lays great emphasis on peace. For example, there is a verse
in the Quran which says:
Reconciliation is the best. (4: 128)
That is, in the case of controversy, adopt the peaceful rather than the confrontational course of action. This concept has also been adopted by other religions as their basic teaching. For example, in Christianity the following verse of the New Testament:
Blessed are the peacemakers. (Matthew 5: 9)
It is a fact that peace is a common teaching of all the religions. It is also a fact that peace is the summum bonum; peace is the greatest good which leads to the building of a better society; without peace there is no development. Peace provides the environment in which every group can flourish without being harmful to others; peaceful living is the most important part of moral living.
Good Social Behaviour
Moral development is not simply a matter of individual conduct towards
others. It is profoundly related to the development of an individual’s
personality. When one engages in good social behaviour, one is in the
process of self-development. Good social
behaviour is thus a great aid to the building of
one’s character. Good social behaviour means
positive behaviour; and positive behaviour
inculcates positive thinking making one a
good human being.
Religion being intended to build a moral base for society, it is the duty of religious people to condition the minds of people on a moral basis and promote human-friendly behaviour among all members of society.
Human society is based on a well-known maxim—give and take. When you give something to others you create a situation in which you certainly garner positive fruit in return. The relationship between an individual and society is one of interchange; both the partners give something to the other and receive something from others, so it is a reciprocal relationship.
The establishment of a harmonious relationship between all the members of society is a common requirement of all religions. No religious activity can be carried out without normal social conditions. It is therefore, in the best interests of all religions for moral behaviour to be recognized as the greatest means of normalizing the relationship between different sections of a society and ensuring peaceable living conditions. So, in view of this, every religion teaches its members to adopt a good moral standard.
There are ample references in all religions that provide us with a good base for building a better society through partnership. This is the basic role of every religion. Without playing this role, religion becomes irrelevant to humanity
The above commonalities amongst religions provide a base for the development of a harmonious society. However, in order to administer and regulate practical matters in society the role of a suitable political administration cannot be denied.
Different roles of Religion and Political Administration
Religion and political administration are the two basic instruments by
which every society is regulated. Both have an important role. Religion
being intended to build a moral base for
society, it is the duty of religious people to
train the minds of people on a moral basis. It
is their duty to create an ethical atmosphere
in society and to promote human-friendly
behaviour among all members of society.
Love or compassion is the greatest social value; it is the basis of all moral teachings or moral requirements. And it is also a fact that this teaching is found in every religion.
Political rule has a basic regulatory function in the practical matters of a nation. It is put in place to maintain peace and harmony among the people, to ensure justice and to check crimes. No religious institution can play the role of political masters. And no political master—given the limitations of political administration—can play the role of a religious institution. Both the institutions have their specific roles and both institutions are complementary to each other. It is the complementary roles of these two institutions that ensures building of a better society.
To bring about real change
in society we will have to first
change individual minds.