Moral Commitment: What We Lack ‘VS’ What We Need

So be steadfast as you are commanded, along with those who turn in submission to Allah with you. And do not transgress. Surely He is All-Seeing of what you do. — Qur’an 11[Hūd]:112

In an age of technological advancement, material prosperity, and unprecedented connectivity, the question of moral commitment often gets overshadowed by the allure of modernity. While the world becomes more connected, it seems the moral compass that once guided humanity toward righteousness, compassion, and justice is increasingly fractured.

Moral commitment refers to our ability to live by the ethical ideals we subscribe to. Within the context of moral intelligence, we prioritize the calibration of the moral compass as the initial step. While our moral compass provides directional guidance, it does not dictate our actions. Conversely, moral commitment is a behavioral capacity that fosters the willpower to align our actions with our moral principles.

For Muslims, this is a particularly urgent issue. Islam, as a way of life, is deeply rooted in a framework of ethics and morality that transcends time and space. As we engage with the challenges of the modern world, it is important to reflect on what we lack in our moral commitment and, more importantly, what we truly need to foster a society grounded in justice, compassion, and spiritual integrity.

What We Lack: The Erosion of Moral Foundations

With the rise of individualism, materialism, and superficiality, the core ethical principles that form the foundation of a just and compassionate community are being eroded. This weakening of moral commitment has led to widespread societal issues, including a lack of empathy, increased corruption, domestic violence, and a growing disconnect between people. Understanding what we lack in our moral foundations is the first step toward reclaiming the values that can rebuild our communities and guide us toward a more spiritually grounded life. Here are a few things we lack that need to be fixed:

• Self-Centeredness over Community Spirit: One of the most glaring issues today is the overwhelming focus on individualism. People are more concerned about “Me, Myself, and I”. With modern societies emphasizing material success, and self-gratification, people now prioritize their desires over the collective good. The moral principles of commanding good and forbidding evil have been relegated as people become more concerned with their success rather than the community welfare. Allah’s Apostle ﷺ called our attention to this in the hadith below:

Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” — Bukhari and Muslim

• Materialism over Spirituality: Another significant shortfall is the shift from spirituality to materialism. The relentless pursuit of wealth, status, and worldly success has led many to lose sight of the higher purpose of life, which is to worship Allah and live by His divine guidance. The Qur’an categorically warns us about this, stating:

The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die). Nay! You shall come to know! — Qur’an 102[At-Takathur]:1–2

This verse highlights the futility of material pursuits when detached from spiritual goals. Unfortunately, moral principles like honesty, fairness, and humility often take a backseat when financial gain or social standing is at stake. This lack of moral concern in business, politics, and daily life contributes to corruption, inequality, and a general breakdown in societal ethics.

• Superficial Morality over Deep Conviction: In many cases, the morality we display is more of a performance than a deep-rooted conviction. We ask Allah for sincerity of purpose, purity in our hearts, and forgiveness for our misdeeds. Many people adopt an outward appearance of piety or morality while ignoring the internal struggle to truly embody these values. The rise of social media has exacerbated this phenomenon, where people often showcase their good deeds for likes and validation rather than for the sake of Allah. This superficial morality, devoid of sincerity, creates a hollow practice of faith, where actions lack the depth and purpose required to truly transform our character and society.

Only Allah knows the actions of the heart and for this reason, Allah’s Apostle ﷺ said:

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions.” — Muslim

What We Need: A Return to Islamic Ethical Principles

The core values of Islam — compassion, justice, sincerity, and spiritual awareness — are not just ideals but practical principles meant to shape both individual behavior and community well-being. To overcome the shortcomings of materialism, self-centeredness, and superficial morality, we must return to the deeper, transformative ethics that Islam prescribes. Here are a few solutions we can proffer as a wayforward:

1. Restoring the Balance Between Individual and Community: Islam teaches that true success is not just about individual achievements but contributing to the betterment of society. To restore moral commitment, we need to reawaken this sense of collective responsibility. This can be achieved by engaging in acts of kindness, standing up for justice, and fostering environments where others feel safe and supported. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of community, stating:

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” — Bukhari

2. Embracing Spirituality Over Materialism: While material success is not inherently wrong, Islam teaches us to use our wealth and resources as a means to a higher purpose. To shift from materialism to spirituality, we need to cultivate a strong connection with Allah through prayer, reflection, and acts of worship. By making time for self-reflection and seeking contentment in our relationship with the Creator, we can free ourselves from the pressures of consumerism and the superficial standards of success that dominate society. The Prophet ﷺ said:

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Wealth is not in having many possessions, but rather true wealth is feeling sufficiency in the soul.” — Bukhari and Muslim

3. Fostering Sincerity in Our Actions: Sincerity is one of the most critical components of Islamic ethics. It is what transforms an outwardly good action into an act of worship that is pleasing to Allah. Sincerity requires us to focus on the intention behind our actions, ensuring that we act not for the approval of others but for the sake of Allah alone. This involves constant self-evaluation, humility, and the remembrance of our ultimate purpose. The more we focus on pleasing Allah and not the people around us, the more likely we are to engage in actions that benefit society and reflect true moral commitment.

4. Reestablishing Justice as a Core Principle: Justice is a core fundamental tenet of Islamic morality. In a world filled with inequality, oppression, and exploitation, the need for justice is more urgent than ever. Upholding justice requires courage and a deep sense of responsibility. It means speaking out against wrongs even when it is uncomfortable or goes against our interests. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe! Be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives” — Qur’an 4[An-Nisa’]:135

By prioritizing justice, we fulfill one of the most essential aspects of our moral commitment as Muslims.

5. Becoming a morally committed person: Having said all of these, it will make no sense if you don’t commit to becoming morally upright yourself. This you can achieve by developing these key elements in your moral commitment: certainty, optimism, and unity. First, you have to be convinced that your moral subscriptions are true. Then, you push yourself to remain positive about the ideals that you commit to. Finally, embrace this to become a part of your moral identity and live with it.

Conclusion

Reviving Moral Commitment for a better future is a difficult task and this is undoubtedly an understatement. This is because it takes strength of the heart and not mere knowledge. What we lack in moral commitment can be rectified by returning to the profound ethical teachings of Islam. As Muslims, we are called to embody justice, sincerity, community spirit, and spirituality in our daily lives. The moral framework of Islam provides the tools necessary to navigate the challenges of modern society while maintaining integrity and righteousness. By focusing on what we truly need, we can create a more compassionate and just world, by Allah’s Mercy.

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Yaumul Jumah 3rd Rabiul Awwal 1446H // Friday 6th September 2024

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