Inner Judge of Humans
Conscience has been defined as one’s awareness of his personality and inner traits. Conscience has also been referred to as the captain and commander of individuals who holds control of life. This is what decides the path that man will take.
Conscience monitors one’s behavior and deeds and tries to prevent one from committing wrong and if the person makes a mistake, it will blame him.
The concept of conscience is among important topics in psychology and moral philosophy. It has been a subject of discussion by both religious scholars and secular philosophers and psychologists.
There are two types of basic categories about the origin of conscience; one which says it is learned and the other which says it is intrinsic. The first category is mainly advocated by materialist psychologists who believe that infants do not have a conscience as they are not equipped with criteria for understanding value.
The other approach is supported by religious scholars who believe that conscience is an intrinsic factor in all humans which provides guidance to them.
The existence of conscience is a must for individuals as its absence leads to bewilderment and sometimes to committing mistakes.
The equivalent for conscience in the Quran is Nafs al-Lawwama as it is mentioned in verse 2 of Surah Al-Qiyama: “No! I swear by the reproachful soul!”
Furthermore, verses 7 and 8 of Surah Ash-Shams refer to the applications of this conscience: “By the soul and Who shaped it, and inspired it with its sin and its piety.”
According to Islamic teachings, conscience is a witness to man and a true guardian which can differentiate good and bad. It tries to take control of one’s behavior and deeds through habits.
Conscience is considered superior to knowledge as it acts at a higher level than question and answer, observance of the apparent features, and assessment of the hidden traits. The moment somebody lies before a court, he/she knows the reality and is in great conflict with the conscience, feeling guilty about the deed.
