Shared Responsibility

This kind of reformative effort can only take place in a society where criticism is not viewed negatively—where speech is not judged by whether it supports or opposes a certain individual, and raises or lowers someone’s status. Even the tone—whether soft or harsh—should not be the basis for judgment. Without such an open environment, it becomes impossible for anyone to carry out this morally driven work. A society imbued with this spirit reflects the fact that its members do not only think about themselves but also about others. They possess deep human and ethical sensitivity. They take their environment seriously and are unwilling to compromise on principles. They harbour goodwill for all and seek the benefit of society at large, not just for themselves or their immediate circles. However, this kind of goodness is only possible for those who are not only willing to speak the truth but also possess the capacity to accept it. Opening the door to good and closing the door to harm is not a one-sided responsibility. It is not as if a certain group or individual has been given a divine license to hold others accountable while being exempt themselves. Rather, this is a mutual responsibility, shared by all members of society toward one another. This is why the Quran and Hadith use language that implies reciprocal participation. For instance, the Quran says: “And enjoin one another to the truth” (103:3). It also says: “They did not stop one another from doing what was wrong” (5:79). Similarly, a hadith says: “Enjoin one another to what