The integrity and moral purity of individuals, along with the overall health and safety of society, are significant priorities in the context of religion. Islamic ethics and principles emphasize that individuals should strive to be virtuous, and that society should be secure and peaceful. Any deviation from these ideals and the presence of unsafe conditions are not only unexpected but also deemed intolerable. However, when individuals deviate from the practices and teachings of their faith, it can lead to significant challenges within Muslim communities, with far-reaching consequences. One inevitable outcome of this decline is the disturbance of mutual peace and security within that society. Occasionally, this can manifest as feelings of hatred, discord, and intolerance prevailing within the community.

In situations of such intolerance, the people causing harm and those suffering from it may vary, but the severity of the crisis intensifies due to the intricate and widespread nature of the conflicts. Stubbornness, protests, anger, and the use of power in multiple ways can overpower the entire society. These conflicts can take various forms, including disputes based on groups or personal interests, as well as political and economic crises.  The cloud of oppression and cruelty persists, casting a shadow over the community. Simultaneously, there's a decline in religious values and principles, either gradually or deliberately. This creates an atmosphere that distances people from their usual religious practices and worship. Such an environment is highly detrimental to any society where Muslims form a majority. Unfairness, cruelty, conflicts, and religious deviations can lead to fractures and gaps in society, allowing different social groups and authorities to enter and exert influence. However, none of these situations are free from harm and adverse consequences.

Consequently, to prevent widespread injustice when conflicts and intolerance arise in society, it's crucial for people from all walks of life to stay vigilant and actively promote fairness and justice. During times of conflict and animosity, power, resentment, and anger can lead people astray and down a destructive path. For their own convenience and to the detriment of others, they engage in opposition, conflict, and the creation of distance without considering the consequences. As a result, these conflicts can spread in all directions, causing harm even to small segments of society and leaving behind signs of oppression. As Muslims, such injustice and suffering are harmful for both the oppressed and the oppressors. The harm to the oppressed is immediate and visible, while the consequences for the oppressors are severe and undeniable. Justice is therefore a fundamental pillar for maintaining peace and order within a society, crucial from both social and religious standpoints.

Good behavior is undoubtedly commendable, but when engaging in conflicts or exhibiting strong conduct towards someone, it's crucial to consider whether the recipient of such behavior deserves it or not, and whether my wrong behavior is directed towards the wrong person. By keeping this in mind, personal initiatives can contribute significantly to the foundation of social justice at a grassroots level. When the winds of intolerance intensify, be it for political, economic, or social reasons, it becomes exceedingly important to continue the practice of personal and social justice. If individuals in various places remain vigilant in seeking and practicing justice, it can protect society from many painful injustices, degradations, and tears. Allah reminds us in the Quran:

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُوْنُوْا قَوّٰمِيْنَ لِلهِ شُهَدَآءَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَاٰنُ قَوْمٍ عَلٰۤي اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْا اِعْدِلُوْا هُوَ اَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوٰي وَ اتَّقُوا اللهَ  اِنَّ اللّٰهَ خَبِيْرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ.

“O you who believe, be steadfast for (obeying the commands of) Allaah, (and) witnesses for justice. Malice against a people should not prompt you to avoid doing justice. Do justice. That is nearer to Taqwa. Fear Allaah. Surely, Allah is All- Aware of what you do.”
[Surah Maidah, 5:8]

After the pursuit of justice against injustice, what becomes profoundly significant in the realm of social instability, opposition, and intolerance is the practice of humanity, compassionate interactions within society. The practice of virtue, service, and benefiting people in times of danger is important and appreciated for all times and situations. However, in times of distance and conflict, practicing virtue becomes a cause of much reward and welfare. Helping people in danger, treating the afflicted and sick, feeding the hungry, and rescuing the distressed are deeds of great reward. In times of conflict and intolerance, distance is created between people. In such situations, instead of extending helping hands, the flames of anger usually erupt. In times of conflict and intolerance, distance is created among people. In such situations, usually, instead of extending a helping hand, the flames of anger are ignited. In such a distant and hostile environment, maintaining self-restraint and being kind to others holds great dignity and significance. It slows down the pace of social decay and increases the level of peace and security.

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as saying:

مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ مُؤْمِنٍ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ الدُّنْيَا، نَفَّسَ اللهُ عَنْهُ كرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَمَنْ يَسَّرَ عَلَى مُعْسِرٍ يَسَّرَ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ، وَمَنْ سَتَرَ مُسْلِمًا سَتَرَهُ اللهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ، وَاللهُ فِي عَوْنِ الْعَبْدِ مَا كَانَ الْعَبْدُ فِي عَوْنِ أَخِيهِ...

"Whoever relieves a believer's distress in this world, Allaah will relieve for him one of the distresses of the Day of Judgment. Whoever makes things easy for someone in difficulty, Allaah will make his matters easy in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allaah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter. Allah helps His slave as long as the slave helps his brother."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith-2699]

The importance of diligence in matters of religion, devotion, and worship, both at the individual and social levels, alongside justice and humanity, is applicable and essential at all times. During times of instability and crisis, negligence in religious matters often surfaces at various levels within the Muslim community. Many times, such circumstances are created from various directions. So, for a Muslim, the most important thing in life is to be vigilant and diligent in personal worship and deeds, adhering to religious laws and regulations, upholding religious discipline in society, and preserving the dignity of religious institutions and centers. In times of intolerance, there are often attempts in Muslim societies to sow the seeds of religious discord at various levels, trying to undermine religious discipline and create divisions. Therefore, vigilance and diligence in upholding religious observance and religious discipline become essential in times of crisis or opposition. The proper maintenance of this responsibility ensures the well-being of their existence.

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) was advised by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in a lengthy narration:

احْفَظِ اللهَ يَحْفَظْكَ، احْفَظِ اللهَ تَجِدْهُ تُجَاهَكَ، إِذَا سَأَلْتَ فَاسْألِ اللهَ، وَإِذَا اسْتَعَنْتَ فَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللهِ...

"Be mindful of Allaah and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you. When you ask, ask Allah, and when you seek aid, seek Allah's aid."
[Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2516]

Whether on a personal, societal, or national level, it is everyone's responsibility, especially those in positions of authority, to strive to eradicate intolerance and its harm. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of every Muslim, without exception, to always prioritize justice over oppression, demonstrate kindness and humanity instead of causing harm to others, and diligently and sincerely safeguard religious discipline and values. There is no alternative to the endeavor and essentiality of ensuring a Muslim society characterized by peace, justice, brotherhood, and unwavering faith. May Allaah, in His grace, unite us in faith, brotherhood, and security. Ameen. 

Translation: Fayez Ahmed