Absolute Standard of Right and the Opinion of the Majority
Throughout history, the concept of “right,” as a valuable phenomenon, has often faced a great deal of indifference and unkindness from most people. There has always been a small group that supports it. However, the truth is that the criterion for accepting what is right has never depended on the number of its supporters; only its “rightness” and “constancy” are the true criteria.
Today, the criterion of “majority” is recognized as a universal value, especially among the followers of democracy. They measure all matters within the framework of majority vote and rely on it. For example, the head of government and the highest official of a country are elected through majority vote, laws are approved in parliaments by majority vote, and even constitutions and other government laws are formed based on majority vote.
However, relying on the “majority” as the absolute criterion of truth is not only contrary to justice and reason but also contradicts the teachings of the Quran. The Holy Quran clearly states that majority vote is not only not a criterion of truth, but in many cases, it is also invalid.
For example, in verse 116 of Surah An’am, it says:
Translation: “If you follow the majority of the people on earth, they will mislead you from the path of Allah, for they follow nothing but conjecture and speak nothing but lies.”
Additionally, in verse 78 of Surah Al-Zukhruf, it is stated:
Translation: “We have brought you the truth, but most of you were opposed to it.”
The Holy Quran attributes characteristics such as “ungratefulness,” “ignorance,” “disbelief,” and “suspicion” to the majority and emphasizes that the tendencies of the majority are often in conflict with the truth.
Serious criticism has also arisen among thinkers regarding the acceptance of the majority’s opinion as the criterion of truth. Socrates believed, “Is it not an illusion that numbers and majority alone are proof of wisdom? Do we not see that the masses of people are often more ignorant, violent, and cruel than a few individuals distinguished by knowledge and education?”
Plato has also strongly criticized the criterion of the majority vote in various fields, providing convincing examples. He states, “When you are sick, you do not go to the majority to ask their opinion, but to a physician who has expertise. So why should we rely on the majority vote in politics? Democracy is the symbol of the rule of the ignorant.”
John Rawls, a prominent philosopher of justice and one of the leading figures in twentieth-century political philosophy, also believed, “There is no logical argument that shows that what the majority wills is necessarily right.”
From all these perspectives and the teachings of the Quran, it is clear that the concept of “right” is independent of the number of supporters or the majority vote. Its criteria should be sought in logic, reason, and justice, not in general trends or the inclinations of the majority.
Therefore, it is important to always stand for the right, even if only one person is with you on this path. Ignoring the right due to the large number of supporters of falsehood will lead to great personal and spiritual persecution.
A clear example of this steadfastness is Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). When all the people of the city were trapped in the web of polytheism and disbelief, he stood up alone and defended the truth. The multitude of falsehood did not diminish his will and faith in the slightest. His steadfastness and perseverance serve as a model for all who wish to pursue the path of truth and confront falsehood. The life of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is an eternal lesson on standing firm against the pressures of the majority.
Imam Ibn Hazm (may Allah have mercy on him) reminds us, “Whoever is in the right, Allah Almighty is with him. Do not be afraid of the multitude of enemies, their long history, or the respect that people have for them. Do not care about their number and power, because the right is older, more beloved, and more worthy of reverence than they are.”
Therefore, one should not be deceived by the apparent glamour of the West, the arrogant, or their noise and displays of power. This group is not only unworthy of veneration but also highly deserving of humiliation and reproach. The true position belongs only to those who remain steadfast on the path of righteousness and adhere to the pleasure of Allah.
Conclusion
Truth is a precious gem whose value is measured by its strength and eternity, not by the number of its adherents. History has shown that standing up for the right requires firm faith and strong will, even if falsehood appears to be in the majority.
A believing Muslim should understand that his honor in the sight of Allah depends on adhering to the truth and confronting falsehood. Succumbing to the clamor of falsehood-mongers leads one away from the path of guidance. Let us take inspiration from Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and courageously stand firm in our commitment to truth, because Allah is with those who uphold righteousness.
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