Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 161
Socio-economic Peace 161 I have not created jinn and men but to worship Me. 25 In examining each mode of seeking pleasure, one may not find much fault with any to justify their total ban. Particularly in the free societies of the world, it is very difficult for the people to understand why Islam is so puritan to the extent of dryness. Islam is not at all dry and boring; howsoever it may seem so from a distance. First of all, those who acquire a taste for goodness, also learn to draw sublime pleasure out of an act, which may seem rather drab to the outsider. Secondly, the more fortunate among those who experience the true love of God, transcend to a state of sublimity from where worldly pleasures appear too lowly, base, meaningless and transient. Thirdly, in its much broader application, a society not given to the pursuits of pleasure is not left empty-handed at the end of the day. In the final analysis, it turns not only to be an exchange of value—excitement, exhilaration, intense sensual experiences and explosive raptures are bartered for peace, tranquillity, equilibrium, growing sense of security, nobility and contentment, which as a reward per se is the noblest of all rewards. When the two social atmospheres and climates are compared as a whole, it is not difficult at all to understand that the tree of God’s love and devotion to Him can seldom take root in the materialistic climate of a fun-loving society. Of course, there are exceptions but exceptions do not make the rule. The two climates are very different.