Author: Mufti Obaidullah Noorzahi
The Crises of Liberalism in the Contemporary World (Part 8)
Fabrication of Truths:
Another example of fabricating truths is that whenever one of the two claimants is more powerful in expressing his opinion, he gains more followers—even if he is wrong. And whenever his voice weakens, his followers scatter. Ultimately, what is true remains, because the power of truth lies within its essence, and its nature and core are firm. That which was weak and altered was merely its appearance, which had been subjected to distortion and defamation. Such ugliness fades away with the demise of the defamers, while the essence and truth remain and will eventually become evident.
Falsehood, however, is the opposite. Its falsity lies within its core and essence. Its outward appearance is what changes—it is beautified through fabrication and deceit. But this decorated face vanishes along with the disappearance of its beautifier and is destroyed.
Some people outwardly believe in the truth because it was the first thing presented to them, or because the voice of truth was louder than that of falsehood. But once falsehood becomes stronger and more prominent, they retreat and turn back to it, thinking they are turning from hidden falsehood to apparent truth. In reality, they have been deceived by the made-up face of falsehood and the disfigured face of truth. They move from a weak appearance to a stronger one, without ever considering or contemplating the real essence of the matter.
Deviant ideas, erroneous concepts, and corrupt beliefs become more dangerous when they are adopted and promoted by the policy of a state. The power and social status of the proponents of a certain idea are so influential that they disrupt the balance of reason in distinguishing right from wrong. Kings, rulers, and officials hold such awe and status in the hearts of ordinary people that their hearts become feeble. As a result, even a weak idea—when promoted by the powerful—enters people’s hearts and becomes entrenched.
This is why Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Allah prevents certain evils through the authority of a ruler that He does not prevent through the Qur’an.”
The words and ideas of the powerful carry such weight that they can demolish the fortified castles of reason and breach its great gates. However, all of these statements and ideas perish with their speakers—unless someone of equal power takes their place.
Some rulers are so influential over the people that, without resorting to threats or coercion, they merely praise those who agree with them or elevate their status. This suffices to make others follow their thoughts in hopes of gaining similar praise and status.
It is narrated from Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: “Punish the evildoer by rewarding the doer of good.”
In this way, the map of ideas is drawn in people’s minds, and thoughts and ideologies are spread without any contract or transaction. Sometimes, for an action or a statement to become formalized or legitimized, it is enough for a ruler to perform that action publicly and justify it. People then imitate him, because the actions of kings and leaders are among the greatest means of spreading mistakes and errors.
For this reason, Allah Almighty quotes the excuse of the dwellers of Hell and their argument: “وَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّا أَطَعْنَا سَادَتَنَا وَكُبَرَاءنَا فَأَضَلُّونَا السَّبِيلَا” Translation: “And they said, ‘Our Lord, we obeyed our leaders and elders, and they led us astray from the path.’”
Therefore, rejecting the errors of such individuals is among the greatest forms of jihad, as stated in the Hadith: “The best jihad is speaking the truth before a tyrant ruler.”
The Prophet (PBUH) was also aware of the influence of public actions by the leaders upon the people and made use of it on multiple occasions. One example is narrated by Abu Saʿid al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: On a summer day, while the people were fasting and walking on foot, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) reached a rainwater pond. He himself was riding a mule. He said: “O people, drink!” But they did not respond. Then he said: “I am not like you; my task is easier than yours, for I am riding.” Still, they didn’t comply. So, the Prophet (PBUH) dismounted, bent down, and drank. Then the people followed and drank after him—even though he had no desire to drink.
In the same manner, enacting and affirming any action through the behavior of influential figures is more powerful than their mere speech. If a scholar or role model, while capable of practical influence, limits himself to only speaking or writing, it constitutes a shortcoming in delivering the message and a failure to follow the method of the Prophet (PBUH).
The opposite is also true: a weak idea appears weak due to the low status and position of those who advocate it. Although this measure is incorrect, it is so influential that it disrupts the mind’s ability to discern the truth. For this reason, because of the weakness of the prophets and their followers, most people did not follow them. Anyone who studies history will see that the most sound-minded and intellectually mature people were often the weak and simple ones.
The human soul loves to follow the majority, because the voice of the majority is louder. People also assume that the majority must be right. For this reason, Allah Almighty—when mentioning the disobedience of the jinn and their imitation of others—says: “وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّا أَن لَّن تَقُولَ الْإِنسُ وَالْجِنُّ عَلَى الله كَذِبًا” Translation: “And we thought that mankind and jinn would never tell a lie about Allah.”
And the people of Noah said, in refusing to believe in him: “أَنُؤْمِنُ لَكَ وَاتَّبَعَكَ الْأَرْذَلُونَ” Translation: “Shall we believe in you, while the lowliest have followed you?”
Allah the Exalted also quotes Pharaoh speaking about Moses and his followers: “إِنَّ هَؤُلَاءِ لَشِرْذِمَةٌ قَلِيلُونَ” Translation: “Indeed, these are but a small band.”
The thoughts of the poor and their beliefs are considered worthless in the eyes of those whose hearts are impoverished.
Continues…
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