How Does Society Become Committed to Divine Rules?
Every set of rules is enforced through various means. Here are the fourth main approaches:
1) Habit and imitation: People sometimes accept an order without any knowledge and only because they follow their ancestors. Islam rejects any blind imitation as the Quran severely criticizes idolaters for doing so. “When they commit an indecency, they say: 'This is what we found our fathers practicing … ” (Surah Al-A’raf, verse 28).
2) Fear and greed: Oppressors implement their rules through intimidation and fear. The Pharaoh told Moses: “'If you take any other god except myself, ' he (Pharaoh) replied, 'you shall be thrown into prison.'” (Surah Surah Ash-Shu'ara, verse 29)
They also attract others through attractive proposals. Just like the Pharaoh who gathered all sorcerers and promised them wealth and rewards if they could defeat Moses. “Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win? 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed.'” (Surah Surah Ash-Shu'ara, verse 41)
It is evident that fear and greed are two important factors that people succumb to law but these two undermine the power of choosing freely and knowingly.
3) Knowledge: Parents who advise their children try to make them ready for accepting the rules. Children will stick to the recommendations based on the knowledge that they have found and in case they have not understood it, they may still implement them as they believe parents want their best.
Islam usually uses this method to encourage people to follow divine orders.
4) Love: We will follow the orders of those that we love and it will be great if this love is based on knowledge and understanding. “But those who believe are more loving to Allah.” (Surah Baqarah, verse 165)
It is clear that the best and most rational approaches are the last two. This is a clear order of Islam: “Call to the Path of your Lord with wisdom and fine admonition. Dispute with them in the best manner.” (Surah An-Nahl, verse 125)
This article was derived from a book written by Iranian Quran teacher and researcher Mohsen Qara’ati.
