Holding onto Islam in a Morally Decadent Society – Winning Essay from the 18th (2024) CMO International Youth Essay Competition

This essay, Holding onto Islam in a Morally Decadent Society, by Kareemah Tijani, scored high honours in Category C of the 18th (2024) CMO International Youth Essay Competition. Tijani’s essay delves into the pressing issue of moral decay in contemporary society and offers Islamic solutions for remaining steadfast in faith. Drawing from the Qur’an and Hadith, she emphasizes the role of self-discipline, parental guidance, community influence, and acts of worship in preserving one’s moral integrity in a world increasingly swayed by secular values.

Introduction:
The phenomenon of moral decadence is a topic that never dims. Like an endless sea, problems after problems related to the moral decline of the society continue to roll over time. Moral decadence is the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of morality. It starts slowly with seemingly harmless choices by some individuals but spreads like an epidemic affecting the society at large.

On the note of the above, a society is made up of a group of people living together in a community. Islam is a religion that entails total submission to the will of Allah (SWT) and obeying all His commandments. Islam is not just a religion but a complete way of life. It shows Muslims how to conduct themselves in every aspect of their lives from how they dress, speak and relate with others in the society.

An identity gives an individual a sense of belonging. As a Muslim, an obvious part of one’s identity can be his/her outward appearance. Modest wear is the most popular way to identify a Muslim. However, Islam also places emphasis on a Muslim’s manners and etiquettes, as they are ambassadors of this perfect religion which must reflect through theirspeech and actions towards others. The development of this time has brought its challenges in moral matters. Secular society, perhaps in the name of freedom of choice, is unwilling to condemn or prevent the spread of moral decadence. Such a society goes in circles chasing the symptoms and dressing up the outcomes rather than addressing the root cause. In this trying time, examples of this phenomenon include: immodesty, adultery, cohabitation, teenage pregnancies, fornication, drinking, dealing drugs, use of intoxicants, pornography, homosexuality, embezzlement, financial and political corruption among others.

According to the Holy Qur’an, the fundamental root cause of all evils is shirk (associating partners with Allah). Allah (SWT) says in (Qur’an 51, verse 56): “And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).” Shirk causes man to sink morally and spiritually. Believing in Allah alone is a seed out of which all virtues grow and lack of which lies the root of all sins. A lot of people proclaim that they believe in one God but they still commit sins. Believing only means accepting something in good faith, but true awareness means to actually experience that belief. It is impossible for true awareness and sin to dwell in one heart, just as it is impossible for it to be day and night at the same time. In making our daily choices, Allah (SWT) has implanted in man’s nature a feeling or sense of what is good and bad. Consequently, surviving this time as a Muslim without deviating from the right path requires great self-discipline.

Apart from the discipline from the individual, the parents also play a very important role in shaping the life of a person. Charity, they say, begins from home. As major stakeholders in the life of a child, parents must serve as good role models. They must also not hesitate to correct the child if he/she misbehaves. Another set of people that need to be mindful of their lifestyle because of how many people look up to them are the Imams or Sheikhs (religious leaders). People tend to emulate the lifestyle of someone they regard as a role model. If people in this position exhibit the right values, moral decadence in the society will be greatly reduced.

Moral degradation is worse than a complex and serious disease with devastating long term consequences. There are ways in which a person can survive the disease of this time. One of them is not to follow the footsteps of Satan. Allah says in Suratul-Baqarah, Verse 168:“O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the Earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy.” 

Moreover, in this context, peer pressure has a significant impact. Granted that peer pressure is not in one’s control, but sometimes the choice of peers is largely in control. One needs to be very careful in selecting one’s friends and peers. Qur’an (9:119) says: “O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true in words and deeds.” The Prophet (SAW) defines a worthy friend as the one whose very sight makes one remember Allah, whose conversation increases one’s knowledge and whose deeds reminds one of the Hereafter, (Bukhari). In selecting one’s company, a true Muslim should have the goal potential to become a worthy friend. Obviously, in some professional and educational settings, one may not have the complete choice, but pious company should be one’s default setting.

Furthermore, acts of ‘Ibaadah (worship) such as reading the Qur’an and regular observance of Salat, play a significant role in making a Muslim steadfast. It purifies the heart and protects him/her from the evils in the society. Allah says: “Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur’an) and perform Salat. Verily, Salat prevents from indecency and great sins of every kind…”

Lastly, Istighfar is the ultimate Islamic shield. It is the most potent prayer for repentance and forgiveness of past sins and protection from potential future mistakes. The exemplary life led by the Sahabahs and The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs is enough to guide all Muslims through this life’s journey. They lived a simple yet happy and fulfilled life. They were very humble, just and most of all were always aware of their sole purpose on this Earth. This awareness assisted them in knowing their priorities and facing them solely.

All in all, as standard bearers of Islam, it is the fundamental obligation of all Muslims to uphold their religion wherever they find themselves. And byso doing, they may attract others to the beauty of Islam.

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