Jalees Ahmad, Al Hakam
According to Our World in Data, religion “has become less important in some English-speaking countries” and now holds less significance “to people in some English-speaking countries than it did 30 years ago.”
In this day and age, with the advancements in fields like science, technology and secular governance, many – and I’m sure this won’t be the first time you’ve read this – argue that religion is outdated or irrelevant, especially with the world’s progress in technology we see in the 21st century.
Oftentimes we hear: “Yes, we needed religion at one point in time but now we, as a society, have advanced so much that we know what is good and what is bad and we no longer need religion to tell us.”
Of course, this is a reflection of those who are yet to study religion deeply as it’s not just about knowing what’s good and what’s bad. In fact, God Himself has stated in the Holy Quran that he gave humans the intellectual capacity to know the difference between good and bad. The question or need for religion is far deeper than that.
“And He revealed to [man] what is wrong for it and what is right for it –” (Surah Ash-Shams, Ch.91: V.9)
Religion, even today, plays a vital role in human life, particularly in areas that no other institution can effectively address. For this, I shall limit myself to only two crucial contributions of religion that are not found elsewhere: (1) the ability to regulate, control, and govern inner desires and morality, and (2) the power to effectively prevent social vices in the best manner. Limiting myself to just these two points, I shall now delve with examples and a simple, yet humble, reflection on their relevance.
Regulation of inner desires and morality
Often, the law of the land is seen as sufficient to keep things in check. However, if this were the case, why do we still see a rise in laws being broken? The simple answer is that modern laws are devised to keep order by punishing crimes after they occur. For example, laws can incarcerate individuals for stealing, assault, or fraud; however, they do not address the crux of the matter or the root causes that lead people to commit such acts.
These core causes – be it greed, envy, uncontrolled anger or a lack of empathy – reside in the human heart and mind. And, so religion steps in where the law simply cannot. “Surely, Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change that which is in their hearts.” (Surah Ar-Ra`d, Ch.13: V.12)
When we look at religion and study it as a whole, we realise it offers guidance that nurtures self-restraint, shapes character and encourages people to reflect on their actions before they act. For instance, many religious teachings highlight honesty and generosity which as a result curbs greed and selfishness.
The Islamic concept of taqwa – or being God-consciousness – is one such principle. An individual who internalises taqwa aims to make choices that align with morality, even when no one else is watching.
“Surely, Prayer restrains [one] from indecency and manifest evil,” (Surah al-`Ankabut, Ch.29: V.46)
Take, for example, a person who is somewhat inclined or tempted to cheat on a test. The law – that is manmade law – cannot punish a person for simply considering cheating; it only intervenes if the act is committed. Nonetheless, religion teaches that even housing dishonest intentions within is wrong and one should seek goodness in both thought and action. This means that ones actions should be both pure and honest at the same time. “Indeed, actions are judged by intentions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1). This internal principle helps people make ethical choices consistently, decreasing the chance of toxic actions.
Prevention of social vices
Social evils such as substance abuse, sexual misconduct and deception can corrupt any community and all those within. While governments and societal norms dissuade these behaviours, they often lack the power to address their more in-depth causes. Religion, in contrast, goes further and beyond punishment; it presents a framework for moral and ethical living that deters vices and fosters virtues from the outset. “Say, ‘My Lord has only forbidden foul deeds, whether open or secret, and sin and wrongful transgression,” (Surah al-A’raf, Ch.7: V.34)
Take the case of alcoholism as an example. Though it is true that governments may charge taxes, limit sales, or penalise drunk driving; however, they cannot prevent an individual from choosing to not drink excessively or even responsibly. Religious teachings, on the other hand, often tackle situations of this sort at their heart. Islam, for instance, prohibits alcohol altogether, recognising its potential to damage individuals and society and thus cutting and preventing the vice from its very root. This prohibition is not simply about avoiding the drink itself but also about developing discipline and awareness of its harmful effects.
Likewise, consider the sinful act of unfaithfulness or other forms of sexual misconduct. Secular laws may penalise particular acts like sexual harassment or non-consensual relationships; however, they fail to control lustful thoughts, casual attitudes toward relationships, or other factors that contribute to moral decline.
Religion steps in by emphasising modesty, fidelity, and respect for the sanctity of relationships. In many traditions, marriage is regarded as a sacred bond, and both partners are encouraged to honour their pledges. These teachings help decrease the likelihood of betrayal, broken families and emotional suffering.
Food for thought
Thus, in a world brimming with laws to punish acts but none to address intentions, religion serves as the ultimate compass, ensuring humanity is in check before the trial even begins.
The question is: are you living by a moral compass or waiting for the court summons?