A Reflection on Society’s Failure

Building a Society Free from Fear, Hatred and preventing Violence

By Shahid Majeed

The ideology of liberalism has been praised for its emphasis on individual liberty and freedom, but a closer examination reveals a darker side to this doctrine. According to some critics, liberalism has perpetuated a crisis that has alienated individuals from their families, communities, and society at large. The separation of individuals from one another has transformed familial relationships into mere transactions, and left vulnerable individuals to fend for themselves. As one proponent of liberalism stated, “A man in the gutter shall be left where he’s; it’s none’s headache to bring him out.” This article will explore the ramifications of liberalism on social relationships and the ethical considerations at play. A Reflection on Society’s Failure

The issue of dress codes that violate social norms has become a controversial aspect of liberal tradition. Some argue that this tradition promotes personal freedom even at the expense of a father’s right to guide his daughter. The liberal approach encourages women to speak up and defend their personal liberties, which can sometimes create a moral conflict with Islamic jurisprudence and social support systems. For example, in countries like Saudi Arabia, some women have fled to Canada and the US, citing conservative family values. However, these women may not be fully aware of the challenges and risks they may face, as exemplified by the experiences of Mia Khalifa and Nadia Ali. Moreover, the liberal emphasis on individual choice in matters of marriage contradicts Islamic and moral principles that prioritize communal values and social harmony.

These values are the common heritage of humanity, and they are essential for our collective well-being. As Aristotle famously said, “Man is a social animal,” meaning that humans thrive when they are part of a community that supports their needs and aspirations.

At the core of any society are certain values and principles that unite people across diverse backgrounds. These values are the common heritage of humanity, and they are essential for our collective well-being. As Aristotle famously said, “Man is a social animal,” meaning that humans thrive when they are part of a community that supports their needs and aspirations. Society provides care and nourishment to its members, and it is through our shared values that we are able to distinguish ourselves from wild animals.

The social fabric of any society is governed by a set of rules and norms, and those who violate them face consequences, including social ostracism. The purpose of these rules is to promote harmonious functioning and to protect the well-being of all members. However, in the 21st century, despite our claims to rationality and respect for individual rights, we continue to witness horrific crimes that undermine our humanity. The recent abduction, torture, and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Lolab, Jammu and Kashmir, is a tragic example of this trend. The brutal manner in which the crime was committed, and the subsequent cover-up, has left the family and community traumatized.

The social standards in Kashmir have deteriorated, leading to a wave of despair, drug addiction, and other vices. The lack of uniformity and clarity in societal ideals has created a void that has been filled by anarchy and chaos. This situation is unique to the region and is not seen anywhere else in the world. Even the political and separatist leaders who claim to represent the people have failed to provide a sense of direction or unity. This lack of moral leadership has contributed to the erosion of Kashmir’s cultural and social values.

It is crucial that we reflect on our shared humanity and the values that define us as a civilization. We must stand together to reject violence, intolerance, and inhumanity, and work towards building a society that is based on mutual respect, empathy, and justice. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to create a world that is free from fear and hatred.

The recent case of a woman legally marrying her pet dog in the USA, which was met with excitement by some citizens, highlights a worrisome conflict between liberalism and Islam. While the liberal tradition may see nothing wrong in certain sexual fantasies, Islamic Jurisprudence has a moral code that includes the punishment of stoning a man to death. This fault line between consensus and forceful adherence to a standard code of conduct needs to be addressed to prevent further violence and protests in the community.

The recent murders of a girl in Budgam and her mother in Sopore are not the result of individual faults, but rather a collective failure of social consciousness and an absolute lack of Islamic Jurisprudence. This has created a dangerous situation where young people feel justified in committing atrocities. As the saying goes, “those who make you believe absurdity make you commit atrocity.” Without a moral and Islamic code of conduct to guide us, we cannot ensure the safety and security of all members of society, including our sisters and mothers.

When our society’s psychosis surpasses the limits of even our most perverted imagination, we face the tragic reality of unnatural deaths, such as a mother murdered by her own son. It is a clear sign that we are failing as a society and need to re-evaluate our approach. Our humanity has been lost, and we must strive to bring it back by prioritizing ethics as a guiding principle in our daily lives. Without this, we will continue to see a repeat of such infamous incidents every day.

Mourning in Budgam: A Reflection on Society’s Failure. The recent horrific killings in central and north Kashmir are just one example of our society’s steep descent into failure. As human beings, it is essential that we introspect such heinous tragedies and reassess our lifestyle to prevent them from happening in the future. We must be ready to face the consequences of our actions, and we must strive to eliminate such violence from our society.

We cannot continue to ignore the solutions that Islam provides for every problem that creeps into society. Our failure to implement these solutions has left us vulnerable to such atrocities. Instead of being weighed down by the Budgam episode, let us use it as an example of what we must keep away from our society. May Allah guide us towards the true path and help us in our efforts to create a safer and more just society.

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this newspaper/Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]