Editorial

The qualities of humility, worship and duty are repeatedly stressed in all religions. Yet they are rendered meaningless if only practised at a personal level and not on a macro level. For if a community of God-fearing people decide to take the law into their own hands even when there is no direct threat to them, and fail to follow the directives of their governments, then they have negated the spiritual training that they had gained through religion. There is much to be said about showing restraint and respect for the rules of society, and behaving in a dignified manner. This is the mark of religious people rather than revenge, abuse and bad behaviour. The article titled the ‘Road to Social Peace’ explores the role of both the individual and of people in authority towards each other from a religious context, taking into account the teachings of various faiths on the subject. Similarly the article entitled ‘Continuity of Divine Guidance’ covers the scenario of Prophethood and Messiah, and the restraint and dignity that should be shown when determining whether a claimant is true or false. To make a quick judgement and then to abuse other people, these are the traits of people of low moral character, whereas Prophet Confucius(as) often described the characteristics of people of a higher moral character. In the news in recent months, we have seen several groups taking drastic action supposedly in the name of religion, and encouraging people to commit murder or even suicide in the name of religion. All decent people understand that such actions are against the teachings of all faiths, and contrary to the actions of all Prophets. If we are to be truly elevated as individuals, we must nurture good characteristics within us, but then the proof of these should be in the way that we deal with family and neighbours, government and laws, and people of other cultures and faiths. That should be the aspiration of all religious people. Fazal Ahmad 2 Review of Religions – May 2002 Editorial