– Umme Sumbula Zuha
As we are heading towards modernity in our lifestyle, we always look up to the most developed nations of the world. It might be shocking but statistics suggest that even in the most developed nations crime rates are not negligible; crime rates in Sweden, for example, are approximately 13,400 per 100,000 people.
While we come across this, we feel a need for our society to be just, fair and with equality. But a just society is not solely built on laws and regulations but on the moral values of people. Statistics suggest that no amount of external force or pressure can change a person’s whole personality but inner motivation can! Allah the Exalted says in the Qur’an. “Verily, Allah will not change the condition of people until they change what is in themselves.”
That motivation to instil moral values and avoid involving in corruption comes from a combination of factors which include “Self Reflection”. Allah says, “Indeed he has succeeded who purifies himself.” Also “role models” that people have do influence! If role models are firm upon moral values, it’s likely for individuals to imitate and follow them. Also, awareness and education about aspects of life can help change personality. but if someone isn’t ready to adopt the good, the change is not possible.
When individuals in a community wholeheartedly instil moral values in them, there would be a drastic change in crime rates. Because of morality in them, the rich would be keen to help the poor and because of that help and also morality instilled in the poor, there would be significant reduction on theft and robbery cases. And when moral values are instilled within individuals, women while travelling alone without anyone to protect them would be feeling safer in any time of the day.
In conclusion, a society’s ability to deliver justice is rooted in morality of its people. Without moral value guiding individual actions, justice remains an elusive goal. Therefore, building a just society requires nurturing ethical values within each member of the community making morality the foundation of justice.
