Taqavi Posted 6 hours ago Share Posted 6 hours ago If the Prophets Were Sent to Guide Humanity Toward Perfection, Why Is There So Much Corruption and Decline? Prophets were indeed sent to guide humanity toward perfection, but this does not guarantee the complete salvation and purity of every individual. The presence of corruption and decline stems from several factors, including: 1. Freedom of Choice A fundamental principle in many religions is human freedom of choice. The prophets deliver the divine message and offer guidance, but the final decision rests with individuals themselves. This freedom allows people to choose the right or wrong path, as Allah Himself has pointed out: "There is no compulsion in religion."[1] In other words, humans have free will and can choose either the correct or incorrect way. The prophets merely guide and provide direction; they cannot prevent people from making poor choices. 2. The Existence of a Rebellious Soul Human ethical and spiritual perfection depends on overcoming one's lower self. Otherwise, the human soul will lead a person toward corruption and ruin, as stated in the Quran: "Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except for what my Lord has mercy upon." [2] Prophets, as guides and teachers, provide principles and values that help humanity control their lower desires. To achieve this goal, people must exert their own effort, as the Quran says: "And that there is nothing for man except that for which he strives." [3] It is therefore natural for a human being, with their inherent characteristics, to fall into decline and error on the path of servitude. What is important is how a person overcomes these challenges and mistakes. Unfortunately, some people, due to a weak will and a lack of sufficient piety, surrender to temptations and their own desires, leading them to commit acts of corruption. 3. Social and Cultural Influences Corruption and decline can also result from various social, cultural, economic, and political factors that are beyond the direct control of religious teachings. The prophets strive to improve these conditions by offering ethical and spiritual solutions, but sometimes these factors drive people toward corruption. A confused social environment can mislead people and divert them from the right path to such an extent that they might even kill God's special servants and saints to get closer to God. This is what happened with the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), when the Ummah of the Prophet (S) killed his grandson to seek nearness to God. [4] Regarding the influence of culture, it can be very deep and even contradictory. Sometimes, values change so much that spiritual and religious values (like the sermon of a prophet or religious leaders) are replaced by material and entertainment values (like welcoming a singer). In a city where the Prophet (S) had just preached, the entire city once closed down to welcome and accompany a female singer. [5] 4. Trial and Tribulation Divine wisdom dictates that God provides the means and conditions for human perfection so that those who wish to can recognize the right path. However, the provision of these means does not guarantee that all people will use them for their own development and salvation. [6] God's purpose in this is to test humanity. As the Quran states: "Indeed, We have made what is on the earth as adornment for it so that We may test them, which of them is best in deed." [7] In another verse, God says: "[He] Who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed." [8] Based on this, the purpose of creation is a test, and success in this trial is the path to human perfection. In other words, this worldly life is a test, and God asks people to demonstrate their potential and abilities through their choices. The existence of corruption and decline is part of this test, and people must confront it. Therefore, the existence of corruption and decline is not a contradiction to the prophets' existence. The prophets' duty is to guide and instruct, and it is humanity's duty to use their own free will to benefit from this guidance and embark on the path of perfection. If people had fully followed the teachings of the prophets, we would have a healthier society, free from corruption and decline. [1] . Baqarah: 256. «لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ» [2] . Yusuf: 53. «إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّي» [3] . Najm: 39. «ليْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَى» [4] . Safīnat al-Biḥār wa Madīnat al-Ḥikam wa al-Athār: al-Qummi, al-Shaykh Abbas, Vol: 6, p: 132. «انّهم من هذه الأمّة كلّ يتقرّب إلى اللّه بدمه» [5] . Al-Aghānī: Abū al-Faraj al-Iṣfahānī, Vol: 8, p: 368. [6] . Āmūzish ʿAqāʾid: Miṣbāḥ Yazdī, Muḥammad Taqī, Vol: 1, p: 187. [7] . Kahf: 7. «إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا» [8] . Mulk: 2. «الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ» Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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