ISLAMIC SOCIETY

Islamic Society ~ 150 ~ of the brick, not to destabilize the edifice, but to consolidate it. It does not seek to fashion the building after its own style, but rather moulds itself to whatever shape will produce a strong and durable structure. What is required for such an Islamic society to come into being? The answer is simply that people should fear God. The secret of all good in this world is the fear of God, while the absence of this fear is the root of all evil. The companions of the Prophet used to observe that “your greatest well-wisher is one who fears God with regard to you.” Indeed, it is the truly God-fearing man who is predisposed to treat others well. There can be no better rein upon an individual’s actions than the thought that God will one day call him to account for his deeds. When one is on the point of being overwhelmed by some animal instinct, or one feels tempted to assert oneself at the expense of others in some matter of honour, prestige or vested interests, there is only one thing which can keep such urges in check so that one does not deviate from the path of justice, and that is the