The Case of the Global Conscience and the Role of a Muslim

By Arshad Ahmad Shahbaz

Vice Chairman, Foreign Advisory Council, Darmstadt – Germany

 

Today, the world stands at a delicate and decisive crossroads. On one hand, we hear lofty claims of human progress, justice, and freedom; on the other, the horrors of war, devastation, and the tragic devaluation of human life unfold before our eyes every single day.

The recent tensions between Iran and Israel, the catastrophic situation in Gaza, and the massacre of innocent civilians — these are earthquakes that should have shaken the very foundations of humanity. Alas, they have been reduced to mere “news stories,” quickly consumed and forgotten. It seems as though human hearts have lost their sensitivity, and apathy has taken its place.

Bombings and attacks do not merely topple buildings — they extinguish the light in hearts, crush families’ peace, trample on children’s dreams, and reduce parents’ hopes to dust. The pain-stricken faces of mothers and the silent, questioning eyes of children bear the most heart-rending witness to these tragedies.

When corpses turn into nothing but statistics, the sanctity of life and the essence of human feeling fade away. Life, once regarded as sacred and priceless, is now reduced to a cold number. One calamity barely ends before our attention drifts to the next “breaking news.”

What is even more tragic is that the great powers themselves ignite the fires in which the homes of the oppressed are burnt, the dreams of children turn to ashes, and the blood of humanity is spilled. They supply the weapons, fan the flames of hatred, and then sit in their comfortable chambers to watch the spectacle. Later, a mockery of justice is staged — the oppressor is shielded, the oppressed silenced, and the world is shown a theater of false peacemaking — while the true aim remains to strengthen their own rule and fill their own treasuries.

This attitude starkly reflects the dismal state of our collective conscience. Another bitter reality is that pain and destruction are not measured equally. When a tragedy strikes in the West, the whole world erupts in outrage; but when the same befalls Gaza, Yemen, or Iran, the shattered lives of innocents are often ignored in silence. Such an attitude violates the very idea of humanity.

The current plight of Palestine is the clearest testament to this injustice. Despite generations of oppression, Palestinians still persevere for their homes, their places of worship, and their basic rights — while the powerful of the world either remain silent or soothe their hollow consciences with empty statements.

The Holy Qur’an declares the sanctity of human life as a universal principle:

“Whoever kills a person — unless in retribution for murder or for spreading corruption in the land — it is as if he killed all of mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as if he saved all of mankind.”

(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 33)

This teaching reminds us that every life is equally precious, regardless of race, nation, or faith. Yet sadly, today’s conduct openly defies this fundamental truth.

For the Muslim world as well, this is a moment of deep self-reflection. At a time when their own brothers and sisters are victims of oppression, most Muslim nations have contented themselves with mere statements. If the Muslim ummah were to unite for truth and justice, the world would hear a strong and effective voice.

This is not just a political obligation but a moral and religious duty — to stand not only for ourselves but for every oppressed soul.

Today, the power of media is unprecedented. Through it, the images and stories of the oppressed can reach the entire world and awaken humanity’s dormant conscience. But this power must be wielded responsibly, truthfully, and with noble intent.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) said:

“Convey the beautiful message of Islam through the internet and media. Use it with sincerity, piety, and in the service of humanity. Beware of its sinful and harmful aspects, for they can be very dangerous.”

(Friday Sermon, 3 May 1996; Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 15, p. 244)

Similarly, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aba), has repeatedly emphasized the global conscience and the role of a Muslim. In his address to the United Nations, he declared:

“Justice must be shown to every group and every nation. There should be no hatred, but justice must prevail in all circumstances. If the world’s conscience remains alive, wars can be avoided. And this is exactly Islam’s teaching — that peace cannot be established without justice.”

(United Nations, 2012)

In his address to the European Parliament, he said:

“It is the duty of a Muslim to tell the world that Islam is the religion of love, tolerance, and justice. And every Muslim must demonstrate through his life that he has come to awaken the world’s conscience, not to lull it to sleep.”

And in Germany he stated:

“We must develop such strength within ourselves that the world, seeing us, declares: These are the people who stand for justice in all circumstances; who respect the dignity of every human being; and who have kept their consciences alive.”

History teaches us again and again that oppression cannot endure. The tragedy of Karbala stands as a shining testament that sacrifices made for truth never go in vain. It reminds us that to resist tyranny and to stand with the oppressed is the foremost duty of humanity.

To awaken the global conscience, we must take small yet sincere steps: promoting justice in our own spheres, raising our voices for the oppressed, dedicating our abilities and resources to the cause of goodness. But all this becomes possible only when our intentions are pure and we sincerely seek God’s guidance and help.

May Allah Almighty grant that the cries of the oppressed are heard in every corner of the earth, that the tyrants meet their fate, and that justice, peace, and compassion triumph over cruelty, injustice, and hatred.

Ameen