MORAL AND ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIETY

Good deeds and bad deeds are not equal. Do a good deed in return for a bad deed and you will see that your enemy has become your dearest friend. (41: 34) Love or compassion is the greatest social value; it is the basis of all moral teachings or moral requirements. And it is also a fact that every religion aims to inculcate these values in its followers. If you study the various religions, you will find that all of them try to promote a ‘culture of love’ in society. To build a love-based society is the sole target of every religion. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. The Prophet of Islam once said: Do with others what you want others to do with you. (Sahih Muslim) The same maxim is to be found in Judaism. Rabbi Hillel the Elder is known to have said: What is hateful (or hurtful) to you, do not do to any other man. (Talmud-Shabbat) This is a universal teaching, given by every religion, in one form or the other. This religious teaching gives us a very simple criterion for living as a good member of society. Everybody knows what is good for him and what is bad for him. Apply this personal experience to all other members of society. If everyone observes this formula of moral conduct, the whole of society will emerge as a good society. This common religious rule is the simplest approach for social construction. Peace at any Cost The Quran lays great emphasis on peace. For example, there is a verse in the Quran which says: Reconciliation is the best. (4: 128) That is, in the case of controversy, adopt the peaceful rather than the confrontational course of action. This concept has also been adopted by other religions as their basic teaching. For example, in Christianity the following verse of the New Testament: A family culture is desirable on a global level among all nations and races. This kind of universal relationship is endorsed by almost all religions.