Maulana Wahiduddin Khan | The Speaking Tree Website | October 12, 2015The world of nature is a world of order. How different is the world of man, where human affairs so often descend into chaos, because the members of society flout those very principles which should bring order into their lives. Social living, if it is to be successful, should be regulated by laws which are as inexorable as the laws of nature. These laws can be effective, however, only if man fully grasps the necessity to adhere to them. He must realize that society without order is like a factory without electricity. It simply will not work.It should also be realized that the prevalence of certain virtues over their opposing vices is a great contributing factor in maintaining order. Generosity, broadmindedness, forgivingness and gentlemanly behaviour must respectively override miserliness, narrow-mindedness, vengefulness and meanness. Consideration for others must always be one's first response in any given situation, particularly when it concerns the keeping of confidences, for the disclosure of others' faults or secrets shows a mindless callousness which breeds nothing but ill-will. Above all, promises must always be kept. [Highlight1] Certain traits of character are naturally supportive of social order. Knowing what a situation requires of one, whether it is a matter of conscience or discretion, is always conducive to harmonious living. Just knowing what to say, and when to speak and when to remain silent is one of the greatest social virtues. Knowing whether to adopt a hard or a soft attitude, whether to be firm or whether to be pliant is equally important.People who understand these niceties of social coexistence, and put them into practice, are vital to the solidarity of a community, without them, order would degenerate into anarchy.
Related Articles
Article
The Qur'an says, "O Men, have fear of your Lord, who created you from a single soul. From that soul He created its mate, and through them, He scattered the earth with countless men and women." (4:1)This shows that men…
Article
The Speaking Tree | 1st Dec. 2011If an engine driver is to set his locomotive in motion, he has to stand before the fire and endure it in fierce heat. This huge and complex machine, built up of so many parts,will remain…
Article
According to a report published in the Times of India, January 29, 1984, the African member of the United Nations, although often riven by differences and disagreements on international matters at home, do possess an…
Article
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan | Times of India Blog | June 19, 2020The world has been witnessing the outbreak of violent protests across the United States of America following the death of Mr. George Floyd, an African…
Article
The world of nature is a world of order. How different is the world of man, where human affairs so often descend into chaos, because the members of society flout those very principles which should bring order into their…
Article
Let Peace Prevail | Speaking Tree | TOI | 6th February 2012Faith can move mountains; it can also cause strife and violence. If God is with everybody then what is it that makes people kill in the name of religion?…