On Role of Confronting Disbelief in Boosting Social Solidarity
This is according to Hani Chitchian, a member of the Quran and Etrat School of the University of Tehran, speaking in the 21st session in a series on Surah At-Tawbah. Following are excerpts from his remarks in the session:
If members of society do not have deep faith, those who seek to sow discord will find an opportunity to pursue their goals. Muslims who claim to adhere to Islam but in practice, fail to observe its rules are those who prepare the ground for the rise of shirk. They create a weakness in Muslim society and the problem goes back to their lifestyle. It is not possible to be a Muslim but be indifferent to ethics.
Verse 123 of Surah At-Tawbah addresses believers, saying: “Believers, fight the unbelievers who are near you. Let them find firmness in you. Know that Allah is with those who are cautious.” The emphasis on being “firm” in confronting disbelief is important.
This verse addresses those who are faithful and also firm against Kufr. This firmness is different from the violence of those who are considered bad-tempered. The latter’s behavior is usually driven by selfishness.
A Muslim society should observe six principles for maintaining and implementing religion: 1) managing kindness and Wilayat 2) distancing from shirk 3) not taking any lord besides Allah 4) not showing laziness in Jihad 5) remaining with the honest 6) being firm and serious in fighting shirk and Kufr.
In absence of these six principles, the religious government will not have the power to implement the religion.
