They advocate for the poor and disenfranchised, therefore they’re innocent!
Really? Who’s to say they don’t have a split personality? Who’s to say they don’t hide behind their activism?
Can a person not be both good and bad? Can they not have good days and bad days? Can they sometimes aspire to greatness, and sometimes succumb to their base desires?
Can a person not perform brilliant acts with ulterior motives? Can they not use activism as cover? Can outward piety not mask inner deceit?
It’s as if nobody has heard of that famous British entertainer, one-time DJ, children’s TV presenter and philanthropist, celebrated all over for raising millions of pounds for charity.
In his lifetime he was applauded and awarded for his humanitarian work, granted an OBE by the Queen and KCSG by the Pope, embraced as the public face of many a charity.
But in the end he was recorded as one of Britain’s most prolific sexual predators, accused of the most heinious of crimes, and of perpetrating the most depraved acts throughout his lifetime.
No, it’s as if nobody has learned that foundational teaching of faith, that actions are by intentions, and everyone will get what he intended.
As if nobody has heard those narrations that those who did great actions for ulterior motive will be the first to enter hell.
Thank goodness so few of us are judges, so easily swayed by emotion as we are, keen to disregard any evidence that might undermine whatever it is that we wish to believe.
Who amongst us has what it takes to truly witness to that high standard we are called to?
O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be for rich or poor: for God can best protect both. Follow not your desires, lest you swerve, and if you distort justice or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do.
Qur’an 4:135
Last modified: 9 August 2023
