Page 142 - The Nightmare of Disbelief

dulging in immoral or evil acts. In this way, every sort of evil
which previously could not be prevented comes to an abrupt
end. The warmth of religion and its spirit penetrate every walk
of life. Certainly, what is meant here by religion is the original
faith revealed by the Qur'an and the hadiths of our Prophet
(saas) and living by it in a sincere way.
The family plays a key function in the structure and sur-
vival of any society. Where people live by the principles of re-
ligion in the true sense, relations among family members im-

prove considerably and real love and respect are attained. In
the absence of the family, the concept of the state also loses its
meaning. These are indeed interrelated concepts. The ruin of
the family brings about the end of society and the state. In so-
cieties where religion does not penetrate, people become rebel-
lious and anarchistic and take up a position against their state.
In situations in which moral values have to be asserted and
protected, people with no fear of Allah make no effort whatso-
ever to this end. At times when social goals conflict with per-
sonal interests, it is inevitable that those who are bereft of reli-
gious values do not hesitate to favor their own individualistic
and conflicting desires, whether they be the rulers or the ruled.
140
One should also consider that this preference is likely to lead
one to evade serving one's people when the time comes. It is no
surprise at all when such people engage in terrorist activities.
However, for one who lives by the values of religion, the im-

peratives of the state are paramount. If required, one will put
his life into jeopardy for these values. For such a person, the in-
terests of his state will always rank above his own interests.
In a society where religious understanding prevails, stu-
dents also feel love and respect for the state. Instead of holding
no brief for this holy institution, they provide support for it.
They do not attack soldiers or the police, as may otherwise hap-

THE NIGHTMARE OF DISBELIEF