Algerian Columnist Discusses Moral Accountability

In a recent column for Echorouk El Yawmi, Algerian writer Sultan Berkani cautioned against moral disengagement and justifying wrongdoing. He cited examples of individuals who shift the blame for their actions to others, saying "God is in control; it's His will." Berkani emphasized that such rationalizations are not acceptable in the eyes of God and will not serve as an excuse for wrongdoing.

Berkani referenced a Quranic verse, ((يَوْمَ تُقَلَّبُ وُجُوهُهُمْ فِي النَّارِ يَقُولُونَ يَا لَيْتَنَا أَطَعْنَا اللَّهَ وَأَطَعْنَا الرَّسُولَا)), which warns against following others in disobedience. He also cited the Prophet Muhammad's saying, "No obedience to a created being in disobedience to the Creator." This maxim establishes a fundamental principle that individuals should not follow others in committing wrongdoing, regardless of their position or relationship.

The columnist identified another form of moral disengagement as downplaying the consequences of one's actions. Individuals may convince themselves that their wrongdoing will not have severe repercussions, either in this life or the next. Berkani noted that people often rely on the idea that God is merciful and forgiving, and that many others may be committing similar or worse acts.

However, Berkani warned that such rationalizations are misguided and based on false hopes. He cited Quranic verses, ((وَلَكِنَّكُمْ فَتَنْتُمْ أَنْفُسَكُمْ وَتَرَبَّصْتُمْ وَارْتَبْتُمْ وَغَرَّتْكُمُ الْأَمَانِيُّ حَتَّى جَاءَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ)), that caution against being deceived by one's own desires and false hopes.

Berkani argued that individuals often seek to alleviate their own feelings of guilt and anxiety by justifying their wrongdoing. However, this approach provides only temporary relief and will ultimately lead to greater distress. He emphasized that people must take responsibility for their actions and be aware of the consequences of disobeying God's commands.

The columnist stressed the importance of considering the gravity of disobeying God, rather than focusing on the perceived insignificance of the wrongdoing. He encouraged individuals to reflect on the moment of reckoning on Judgment Day, when they will be held accountable for their actions.

Ultimately, Berkani reminded readers that each individual will be judged separately, and that the actions of others will not mitigate their own accountability. He cited the Prophet Muhammad's saying, “لَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ السَّمَاءِ وَأَهْلَ الْأَرْضِ اشْتَرَكُوا فِي دَمِ مُؤْمِنٍ لَأَكَبَّهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي النَّارِ”, which emphasizes the severity of punishment for those who commit wrongdoing.

Key points

• Sultan Berkani warns against justifying wrongdoing and emphasizes moral accountability.