Summary of Lecture by Hujjatul-Islam Shaykh Hamza Sodagar,
At the Ahlul Bait (AS) Islamic Centre, Ottery, Cape Town.

As movements around the world are continuing to try and eradicate social ills, as members of the School of Ahlul Bayt (as) it is vital to consider such movements within the framework of the preparation of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (atfs), and try and prepare ourselves by inculcating within us the true essence of Tauhid.  This involves continuously developing and improving our understanding of Allah (SWT) and following His Commandments, and trying to eradicate any social ailments to prepare ourselves for Imam Mahdi’s (atfs) reappearance.

The second fundamental problem identified in society, after the absence of Tauhid, is the adoption of a system where values and laws are derived through a democratic process, with no underlying value system to build upon. Whatever the people decide is legitimate becomes legitimate, with no underlying reliance on the commandments of Allah (SWT).  Increasingly, this has led to the dominance of pluralism as an accepted path due to the belief in the relativity of truth ie truth is not absolute. Consider the case of homosexuality. Historically, this was universally frowned upon and considered wrong, but due to the stance that different differing opinions can be correct simultaneously, modern society not only accepts homosexuality, but condemns those who raise their voices against it. Legal and moral value systems that are based purely on democracy ultimately end up excluding some parts of society and lead to conflict and strife.

Contrary to the idea of the relativity of truth, the Holy Qur’an in Al An’aam:73 and in Al Aa’raaf:33, emphatically presents that Allah (SWT) has created everything in the best way possible, in Haqq (truth). The Holy Qur’an is revealed with Haqq, and therefore following the commandments of Allah (SWT) leads to the best possible value systems that are based on Haqq. Adhering to Divine Systems leads to harmony in society, and assures that everyone receives what is in their best measure.

It is mandatory on us to adopt this path of Haqq, and follow Divine Commandments, rather than relying on the democratization of morality to tell us what is right and what is wrong.