Voice of British Muslim Women

Navida Sayed, London

The discussions surrounding morality and religiosity are not new and have been long debated from a philosophical, anthropological, sociological and theological perspective.  Twenty first century atheists writing countless best-selling books against religion take the argument to a new level. Claiming that religion is the root cause of all evil and suffering, they erroneously insist atheism is the only way forward and the solution for world peace and freedom. However, a recent research paper highlights how in spite of their claims of enlightenment the ideologies of new atheists end up advocating violence.[i] They exhibit a simplistic view of the world as being divided between two civilisations – secular and religious – which cannot coexist. In this, ironically, they arguably mirror the hard-line religious leaders whom they so vociferously denounce.[ii] The new atheist’s epistemological concept of morality and religion allude to the fact that religious belief and practice results in far worst behavioural consequences than atheists.[iii] With the rise of atheism and the claim that being religious does not make one good, questions of morality arise, what is morality and where did it come from?

‘Morality is defined as a personal or social set of standards for good or bad behaviour and character, or the quality of being right and honest’.[iv] Evidence leans towards the fact that we are all born with innate moral qualities and this piece will discuss the connection between morality and religion. Religion outlines a moral code of conduct for its followers to implement in their lives, guided by religious texts. Islam provides moral guidance in the Holy Qur’an which states,

‘And by the soul and its perfection – And He revealed to it what is wrong for it and what is right for it -’ [ 91:8-9]

The Promised Messiah, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (on whom be peace) explains the concept of morals and how we should remain constantly conscious of our actions, he states:

‘The time of true morals, whether good or bad, begins when a person’s reason becomes mature and he is able to distinguish between good and bad and the degree of evil and goodness, and begins to feel sorry when he misses an opportunity of doing good and is remorseful when he has done some wrong. This is the second stage of his life which is designated by the Holy Qur’an as the self that reproves.’[v]

The question ‘can one be moral if there is no belief in God?’ is explained by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace),

‘A person who denies the existence of God can yet exhibit good moral qualities, such as to be humble of heart, to seek peace, to discard evil and not to resist the evil-monger. These are all natural conditions which may be possessed even by an unworthy one who is utterly unacquainted with the fountainhead of salvation and enjoys no part of it.’[vi]

The new atheists may hold moral thoughts, however true morality can only be attained by belief in the existence of God. Emphasising the need for belief in God in order to be truly moral, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) states,

‘It is necessary that he should become conscious of the existence of God to a degree at which he should not consider his creation as without purpose, so that an understanding of the Divine should stimulate his true moral qualities.’[vii]

Explaining how to excel in virtues, morals and manners, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad said in a Friday sermon that Islamic teachings greatly emphasise practicing good morals and excellent manners at home and in the society at every level and that no other religion addresses this matter in such detail. He explained that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) taught that high morals can be gauged under two circumstances; in times of trials and tribulations and in times of success and prosperity. A person who demonstrates patience and endeavours to acquire the pleasure of Allah the Exalted at times of trials and tribulations, possesses high moral qualities. Furthermore, a person who demonstrated humility and establishes justice in times of success and governance, can also be considered as one who possesses high moral qualities.[viii]

Islam guides us in every aspect of life and grants us the opportunity to follow  teachings to do good and make the world a better place.

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[i] The problem of apocalyptic terrorism Journal of Religion and Violence, Volume 8, 2020

[ii] The Conversation. 2021. Why the arguments of the ‘New Atheists’ are often just as violent as religion. [online] Available at: <https://theconversation.com/why-the-arguments-of-the-new-atheists-are-often-just-as-violent-as-religion-95185&gt;

[iii] Iep.utm.edu. 2021. New Atheists | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. [online] Available at: https://iep.utm.edu/n-atheis/#H4

[iv] Dictionary.cambridge.org. 2021. morality. [online] Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/morality

[v] Alislam.org. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Philosophy-of-Teachings-of-Islam.pdf&gt;

[vi] Alislam.org. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Philosophy-of-Teachings-of-Islam.pdf&gt;

[vii] Alislam.org. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Philosophy-of-Teachings-of-Islam.pdf&gt;

[viii] Alislam.org. 2021. Excel in Virtues, Morals and Manners. [online] Available at: <https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2018-03-02.html&gt;