Graphic By: Jen Hight

The great Muslim scholar Ibn Khaldun, who is considered by many to be the father of sociology, wrote of the origins of societal decay in his monumental work al-Muqaddimah, stating quite clearly:

"Injustice ruins civilization. The ruin (of civilization) has as its consequence the complete destruction of the dynasty… Since, as we have seen, injustice calls for the eradication of the (human) species by leading to the ruin of civilization, it contains in itself a good reason for being prohibited. Consequently, it is important that it be forbidden."

The absence of justice destroys the very moral fiber of society; hence, it must be noted that justice and moral values are interdependent and linked, for the presence of the latter rectifies the former, and the presence of the former is the means of preserving the latter. Ibn Khaldun continues to write, in al-Muqaddimah, that society is preserved by a set "group feeling"--an emotional connection with the whole which solidifies and unites society, insuring its preservation. He consequently states, "if the group feeling is strong, the [dynasty's] temper likewise is strong and its life of long duration." Group feeling is wholly dependent upon the identification of society with core values, respectful behavior and righteous conduct. The gradual appearance of luxury in society slowly seeps into the hearts of men, who henceforth forget the need for righteous conduct and become entrapped in the shackles of worldly desires. The Muslim scholar Ibn `Ashir wrote of this in his work al-Murshid al-Mu`in when he said, "Know that the root of all ills is the love of this material world." Indeed, the ills caused by the love of the material world not only harm the human soul but human society and civilization as well.

The function of righteous good conduct was thoroughly expounded upon in the ancient books of wisdom in the East. The Indian Sage Kathuliya wrote in his The Art of Wealth, "One should follow what is right at all times, what is wholesome and true leads to felicity," as well as saying, "Public conduct is headed by education; where there is no education, one should follow the ways of the learned. There is no education more important than conduct." In commentary on the latter aphorism, Dr. Thomas Cleary wrote:

"When moral education is clearly at variance with the conduct of leaders of society, the body public subjected to contradictory impacts may become cynical, disillusioned and disaffected, losing respect for both leadership and education. The Taoist Huainan Masters said, 'When people are influenced by their rulers, they follow what the rulers do, not what they say.'

The importance of good righteous character is paramount in causing the flourishing of any society. The Prophet Muhammad said, "The most excellent of all excellences is the excellence of character!" The driving force behind the greatness of excellence of character is the principle of loving for another that which one loves for himself. This basic principle of the impetus to expend benefit to humanity acts as a shield for society from the ills of injustice, moral decay, and societal corruption. Societal harmony can only truly be achieved through righteous character.

Confucius, the great Chinese sage, developed an astute doctrine concerning societal roles which function in guarding the harmony and foundations of society. He called these the five great relationships:

Kindness in the father and obedient devotion in the son, gentility in the eldest brother and humility and respect in the younger, righteous behavior in the husband and obedience in the wife, humane consideration in elders and deference in juniors and benevolence in rulers and loyalty of ministers and subjects.

Although society has changed radically since the time of the great Confucius, there is much wisdom that still resonates through his words. The family is the base unit of society and hence directly interlinked with the direction and situation society faces throughout time. Respect and obedience must be acted upon in their proper places to insure the longevity and harmony of society itself.

The preservation of moral values, righteous behavior, and justice in society does not entail a reactionist intolerance blind to innovation and invention but rather the adherence to the core principles of ethical conduct in one's character and behavior. Indeed, righteousness and justice repel the corruptions and ills which eerily creep into and slowly kill societies. Corruption and social ills must not be combated with other corruptions and social ills. Quite simply, evil must be repelled with that which is good; the Qur'an emphasizes this point strongly when it says, "And not alike are the good and the evil. Repel (evil) with what is best, when lo! he between whom and you was enmity would be as if he were a warm friend."

May God make us all from those who repel evil with good and stand for justice in our everyday lives.