SYED SADATULLAH HUSAINI, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, is an eminent Islamic scholar, eloquent orator, prolific writer and Editor-in-Chief of Urdu monthly Zindagi-e-Nau. In an interview with Sikandar Azam, he talks on the various facets of JIH Women’s Department campaign on ‘Morality is Freedom’ and how this campaign serves the Jamaat’s current Term Mission.
What is all about the JIH Women’s Department campaign on ‘Morality is Freedom’?
The extreme form of individualism has led to a distorted notion of freedom, where it is misconstrued as liberation from all moral obligations and a total disregard for societal norms and collective responsibilities. This incorrect understanding of freedom has led people to see ethical values, especially about sex and family, as if they are unwanted restrictions on personal freedom. Such an extreme conceptualisation is fostering moral and sexual anarchy, wreaking havoc on society. The very foundation of the family as an institution is under threat in many cultures, posing risks to the continuity of the human race. Moreover, this sexual anarchy fuels rampant materialism, debauchery, and hedonistic excess, stripping human societies of higher spiritual purpose and moral integrity.
Regrettably, the destructive trends that have plagued Western societies are now seeping into Indian society as well. Therefore, it has become imperative to launch an awareness campaign to help people understand that true freedom is inherently tied to a sense of responsibility and to spiritual and social obligations.
Morality and Freedom appear to be two distant things. How do you think morality is related to freedom?
It’s unfortunate that morality is being framed as a barrier to personal freedom, and that morality and freedom are being presented as if they are paradoxical to each other. This misconception arises from a flawed understanding of both human nature and the true nature of freedom. Freedom is indeed the ability to act, think, and make choices without undue external coercion. However, for a morally aware individual, this coercion includes not only oppressive states, exploitative social forces, and hierarchical structures but also internal forces like debauchery and lust. True freedom involves resisting these internal temptations and maintaining moral integrity, alongside opposing external pressures.
Human beings are not merely material entities; we have moral and spiritual dimensions as well. When freedom is unrestrained, it can undermine these very aspects, leading us to lose the essence of our humanity. True freedom is to be a free human being, not a free animal or a free machine.
To fully understand human freedom, we must recognize the complexity of our nature. Enslavement is not just an external force – it often comes from within. Being enslaved by our impulses, desires, and internal compulsions is just as oppressive and damaging as any external constraint. Therefore, ethical discipline is essential to achieving true freedom. Freedom, when guided by responsibility and moral principles, uplifts the individual and contributes to the common good. True freedom is inseparably tied to moral responsibility and the well-being of society. A complete definition of freedom must encompass the ability to act, think, and make ethical choices that benefit the material, social, and spiritual aspects of both the self and society. Thus, freedom is inherently and deeply connected to morality.
Do you mean to say moral fabric has been shattered with the assertion of personal freedom?
Yes, and this is evident in societies where freedom is divorced from a responsible sense of morality. In Western societies, extreme individualism has been linked to decreased social trust and community engagement. Studies reveal that higher levels of individualism are associated with lower social trust and increased economic inequality.
This pursuit of freedom has led to the legalization of drugs, prostitution, and homosexual acts, and has normalized marital disloyalty and extramarital affairs – once deemed immoral. Several studies have found that substance abuse (like marijuana,which is made legal in many countries) among adolescents increased in states with legalized recreational use, raising concerns about its long-term impact on mental health.
While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it sometimes intersects with issues like hate speech and discrimination. A 2022 report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) highlighted a 40% rise in online hate speech between 2020 and 2021, illustrating the challenge of balancing expression with the need to protect individuals from harmful content.
The legalization of prostitution has led to increased human trafficking and public health concerns, such as higher STI rates. The acceptance of homosexual acts has contributed to a significant breakdown in traditional family structures. The sexual revolution and unrestrained sexual behaviors have undermined the foundation of loyal marital relationships, leading to family disintegration. This breakdown results in serious social problems, including higher rates of mental disorders, old-age loneliness, and adverse effects on children’s well-being.
These examples demonstrate that while personal freedom is crucial, it must be balanced with social responsibility and ethical standards to maintain societal stability.
How does the postmodern moral decline affect the institution of family?
The decline of the family unit in Western societies is strikingly evident through rising divorce rates, an increasing prevalence of single-parent households, delayed marriage and parenthood, and shifts in family structures. These trends reflect profound changes in societal norms and pose serious threats to children’s well-being and societal stability. In the U.S., only about 18% of households comprised of married couples with children in 2020, underscoring the diminishing presence of the traditional family unit.
In Spain, the divorce rate soared to approximately 65% of marriages in 2020, one of the highest in Europe, while around 56% of children were born to unmarried parents as of 2022. Similarly, in France, about 23% of children live in single-parent families, a consequence of the country’s liberal social policies. These trends contribute to dangerously low birth rates, which some experts argue threaten the very existence of the human race. For instance, Italy’s birth rate plummeted to 1.2 children per woman in 2023, raising concerns about potential long-term extinction if these rates continue.
Studies reveal that children from divorced or single-parent families are more likely to experience mental health issues and academic challenges compared to those from intact families. Western leaders are increasingly recognizing the gravity of this issue. U.S. President Joe Biden has stated, “Families are the bedrock of our society. If we want a stronger America, we need to support families with policies that promote stability and opportunity.” Similarly, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other leaders made public appeals to address these challenges. In many countries, the preservation of family units has become a critical topic of political debate. However, they need to acknowledge that ensuring the survival of the family institution requires a robust foundation of moral norms and ethical frameworks.
How do you think this moral decline has impacted journalistic ethics?
Sexual anarchy and moral degradation significantly impact journalistic ethics by eroding credibility, compromising objectivity, and deteriorating reporting standards. Sensationalism and sensationalist content undermine trust, as seen in scandals like the News of the World phone hacking case and the prevalence of misleading “clickbait” headlines. Journalists facing personal ethical breaches, such as those involved in sexual misconduct, further damage the profession’s integrity, reflected in low public trust and increased skepticism toward media. According to Pew Research, only 41% of Americans trust media accuracy, highlighting the urgent need for a recommitment to ethical journalism to restore credibility and maintain high reporting standards.
In the current Term, Jamaat has the Term Mission to shape public opinion on desired footings. How do you think this campaign will achieve the Term Mission?
Yes, the campaign aims to shift public opinion towards greater sensitivity to moral and ethical values. The recent Kolkata rape incident has highlighted the severe consequences of extreme permissiveness imported from the West, sparking a crucial societal debate on the need for a change in fundamental perceptions. Legal measures alone, while necessary, are insufficient; real change requires a shift in how people think and feel. Individuals should not view illicit acts as expressions of freedom but should instead feel constrained and trapped when their lust and desires overpower their moral compass. Additionally, the campaign emphasizes the importance of religiosity, spirituality, and reverence for the Almighty God, advocating that spiritual aspiration and a sincere desire to please and fear God are essential for fostering ethical sensitivity.
What message would you like to convey to our readers?
It is crucial for us to unite in upholding our moral values, particularly in the realm of sexual morality. Our society faces significant challenges due to the erosion of ethical standards, which compromises our community’s integrity and safety. Standing firm in our moral principles is both a personal responsibility and a collective duty to preserve our cultural and social fabric. To address this, I make four earnest appeals to our beloved countrymen. First, Educate and Advocate: Let us unite to promote awareness and education about moral values through community programs and media. Second, Support Legislation: Advocate for and support legal measures that uphold ethical standards and protect individuals. Third, Unity for Moral Upbringing: Religion, which is often exploited to divide us, should be a positive and constructive force. Let all religious communities come together to address this common challenge. Fourth, Engage in Dialogue: Encourage open discussions about moral values and effective ways to promote them in public forums.
I urge my Muslim brothers and sisters to additionally promote Islamic teachings by spreading awareness about the importance of moral values within our community, support initiatives aligned with Islamic principles, and lead by example by demonstrating the significance of Islamic ethics through personal conduct. Let us commit to these actions and work together to reinforce our moral framework and safeguard our society.