Today powerful media are spreading many ideas antithetical to the central Islamic messages. Ads, movies, magazines and the internet encourage us to enjoy life to the fullest, by adopting a luxurious lifestyle. Islam encourages us to adopt a simple lifestyle, as modeled by the Prophet (s.a.w.) who ate one day and went hungry the next. Ads encourage purchase of goods to “be the envy of your neighbors.” Islam teaches us to bury fruit peels so as to not incite the envy of the neighbor’s children, if we cannot afford to share fruits with them. The Quran (59:9) praises those who give to others even though they are themselves needy. This is in stark contrast with promotion of luxury products at a time when millions are hungry and homeless.
The most important battles of today are for minds and hearts, not the ones for power and oil. Our common enemy is the message of supreme self-interest, combined with complete indifference to others, crystallized in the popular “Gestalt Prayer”: “I do my thing and you do yours … if by chance, we find each other, it’s beautiful. If not, it can’t be helped.” Many western analysts have expressed their dismay at the dissolution of the social fabric and breakdown of families caused by individuals “doing their own thing,” without concern for others. The consequences to society in terms of divorce, depression, suicide, crime, alcohol and drugs, random shootings, and myriad others, have been documented in many thick research reports.
We must actively engage in the battle against slick ads and Hollywood movies, which make material goods and pursuit of pleasure appear far more attractive than they really are. We must teach our youth the ancient wisdom that feeding the poor bring more memorable and meaningful pleasure than the finest meal at the most luxurious restaurant. Love, honesty, commitment, trust, sacrifice and service are needed to build families and communities, which are far superior to lonely lives covered by glamour, glitter and luxury. Strong forces are pushing materialism, hedonism, and individualism, but we still have the cultural resources to win the battle if we try.
Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_diana-ch
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