Explore the roots of sexual ignorance, societal obscenity, and self-indulgence, and the importance of faith, education, and responsible relationships to build a healthier society
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
Upon observing the construction of a human, one is left astounded. A human is that entity formed by the collection of contradictory elements within a single body. Only the Creator knows about the internal structure of a human, but a mortal human has certainly been granted enough power to recognise himself and, through that, recognise his Master.
Beyond the body, it is extremely important to fulfil the needs of the soul. The needs of the body are largely met, but most people remain unaware of the soul’s requirements. Sexual needs are, in fact, among the needs of the soul. Superficially, people mistakenly consider sexual needs to be like other physical needs, which is why almost more than half of the people fail to benefit from its positive aspects. When adults and the elderly are unaware of its benefits, talking about the youth is meaningless. It is beyond reason that people remain ignorant of it even after entering the bond of legitimate sexual relations.
In reality, it is the dominance of lust that is found in most legitimate sexual relationships. Caught up in the cycle of lust, people remain distant from the true benefits and harms of sexuality. This impact falls upon the youth residing on the lower rungs. They, too, without thinking, step into this world and descend into valleys of ruin, because of which the entire society suffers devastating blows.
As is clear from the title, the question is why lust takes precedence over everything else. What are the reasons that make a human a slave to lust? I do not wish to disrespect any individual. Time and progress bring new kinds of challenges with them. In today’s fast-paced era, besides the existing challenges, the filthy addiction of lust has also reached its peak. It is an invisible entity that contains within itself the substance to destroy every visible thing. The question now arises: what are the reasons why lust is at its zenith? A few are briefly mentioned in the following lines.
The first reason is the lack of sexual knowledge. The lack of sexual knowledge in our society is so profound that a sensitive person hesitates to even talk about it. Its direct consequence emerges in such a way that everyone commits follies to fulfil this basic need in their own way. The result is that what Allah made a mercy, unfortunately, turns into a burden. If we talk about a young girl or boy, they know very little about the sexual changes happening within them. A youth, due to their young age and inexperience, often wastes the powers brewing within them like a volcano. No one is ready to explain to them the difference between legitimate and illegitimate sexual relations. From childhood, they have only been made to remember never to dare utter the words ‘sex’ and ‘semen’. Similarly, an adult girl breaks into a sweat upon hearing the words ‘menstruation’ and ‘pregnancy’. We call this bad conditioning. Covering something with false layers can keep the inner lava calm for some time, but the chances of it erupting are high.
The second reason is the rise of obscenity. We call this sex stimulation. Adult content is spread among adolescents and youth in such a way that addiction to it is an obvious outcome. When obscenity prevails everywhere, from homes to the market, it becomes very difficult to maintain legitimate sexual relations. Semi-nude girls and boys on posters on the streets play a fundamental role in awakening and increasing a person’s sexual drive. When everything from soap to cinema is dominated by obscenity, then even considering legitimate sexual relationships becomes impossible.
The third reason is hedonism/self-indulgence. The dream of progress for a nation that becomes enslaved to the ‘commanding self’ (al-nafs al-ammarah) is utterly shattered. When the servitude of the vile self takes hold, then nothing is gained from sermons and advice. I myself am a sinful person. I am not qualified to give sermons. But whenever a mistake is committed, the feeling of sin certainly leaves its mark on the soul to some extent. I have found married individuals engaged in illegitimate relationships with non-mahram girls or women. How can such people provide for the upbringing of their own children? A father or mother, intoxicated with the addiction of self-indulgence, how can they advise their own children and other boys and girls of society on guidance and righteousness? Wife and husband are garments for each other. They provide spiritual comfort to one another, but today the opposite is true.
The fourth reason is the evasion of responsibilities. Perhaps Oscar Wilde writes that a married man likes the woman he did not marry. I have translated Wilde’s quote within the expanse of my own knowledge. If this statement is accepted as true, it strongly reflects our society. In today’s times, efforts are made to fulfil sexual desires outside the bonds of marriage, so as not to be crushed under the burden of responsibilities. ‘Grazing everywhere’ has become a habit for many married people. ‘Drinking from every well’ is now a major hobby for most married men. This very vile practice sets society on the path of lust, from where return becomes impossible.
The fifth and final reason is distance from religion. Choosing a moderate path, I wish to say that Islam is replete with sexual knowledge, but a hard-line society has kept these matters on the highest shelf, so they remain out of sigh,t and there is no risk from ‘thieves’ either. From the day consciousness dawns in children, emphasis should be placed on worldly and hereafter education, in addition to sexual education. How to build a healthy society, in addition to a healthy human, where sexual desires are fulfilled through legitimate means. What principles should be followed when lust reaches its extreme? This should have been our greatest responsibility. On the contrary, from the mosque school to the home, no channel for sexual knowledge is created, and the occurrence of sexual assaults and bestiality in society becomes a common affair.
Now that the bad effects of lust are all around, there is a need to adopt a moderate path. Marriage (Nikah) is a good means to channel lust. We all should promote the teachings of marriage. Strive to perform marriage with simplicity. Turn away from unnecessary rituals. Perform the marriage ceremony in a way that benefits most people. Create a religious atmosphere at home. Try to get to the root of matters. Make every possible effort to attain a ‘satisfied soul’ (al-nafs al-mutma’innah). Avoid imitation. Instead of ingratitude, it is better to be happy with what Allah has given. Keep praying for the peace of the heart. Instead of ‘soiling the character’ of lustful people in mosques, concrete steps should be taken at the ground level.
If the government is incapable of stopping pornography, then at an individual level, gather the courage to remedy sins. Keep asking Allah for help. In this broken world, a ray of hope shines every moment. The need is for us to open our eyes. Avoid as much as possible going to places where markets of obscenity are thriving. Besides religious gatherings, scientific conferences should be organised. Through symposiums and conferences, issues faced by the majority of the population should be pondered. Everyone must take the initiative to eradicate hunger and poverty. Those who are forced to sin due to poverty and diseases should be helped financially and socially. Remedying sins begins with taking initiative. The elephant of lust is rampant. Before it is too late, we all must become vigilant, curb this sin, and direct the power hidden behind it onto a useful path so that society may prosper and flourish.
If any error has occurred in writing, I apologise for it. My opinion should not be attributed to the newspaper’s view. May Allah enrich us all with the wealth of consciousness.
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