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Just Speech and Correct Conduct
English · 2 min read
The above Quranic verse makes special mention of two qualities in an individual—belief and patience. The former underpins the ideological strength of an individual, while the latter reinforces his strength in practical matters. These two features are indispensable.
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It is a fact that strength lies in individuals and not in the group. It is individuals or members of groups,
who determine the strength of the group and
not the group itself.
Ideology is the mainspring of a man’s intellectual strength. Whatever ideology he subscribes to gives him conviction and courage and, moreover, vision; one who possesses these qualities is undoubtedly a complete person. He is able to think, he is able to take decisions, he is able to go into the deeper aspects of situations and make objective assessments. He is able to say in the face of adversity: “I will surmount it.”
Patience is a very important quality. Life is full of problems and untoward events, so you have to avoid being a victim of provocation and, going beyond immediate circumstances, refrain from any reactionary approach. Only a patient person is in a position to practice the necessary self-restraint. Only a patient person can go beyond his immediate circumstances and properly plan his life by taking into consideration every relevant factor on a long-term basis.
Only a patient person is able to do future-oriented planning, and it is future-oriented planning that leads to great success. In life’s struggle, there are frequent occasions when immediate decision-making becomes essential. This being so, every member of the group must be a programme maker, and not just a programme receiver. Super achievement is destined only for groups whose members have this kind of superior quality. A large group consisting of weak individuals is vulnerable like a balloon, while a small group with strong members is rock-like in its strength.
The chapter Al-Ma’idah (The Table) of the Quran gives guidance on correct conduct in matters of justice. The translation of the relevant verse is as follows:
Believers, be steadfast in the cause of God and bear witness with justice. Do not let your enmity for others turn you away from justice. Deal justly; that is nearer to being God-fearing. Fear God. God is aware of all that you do. (5:8)
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It is good to observe moral standards in whatever you have to say in normal situations. But that is not enough. The real test comes when the situation is adverse in the sense of being abnormal or provocative. It is how you conduct yourself in such a situation that proves whether you are one who speaks with justice or not.
In a normal situation anyone can adhere to moral values, but the real test of a worthy person is his having the capacity to speak with justice even in very difficult situations.