Choosing a respected profession or role doesn’t necessarily imply that the postholder is virtuous. This is as true of religious roles as it of being a teacher, nurse or police officer. Anyone can be corrupt.
Some may enter their chosen profession intending to use it as cover for their crimes. Others may simply succumb to lower urges in the heat of the moment, whether due to stress or outside influences. A position does not make a person righteous. That is an active choice every human must make, continually.
All of mankind is destined to slip and err throughout their lifespan, buffeted both by circumstances and biological processes. Thus every single day demands vigilance of the self, instructing it to do good, and steering it away from that which urges harm.
It’s no easy task, but it is necessary. Often it is a raging battle within, as the forces of evil fight hard to subdue the call to goodness. Everyone is engaged in this battle: the teacher, nurse, police officer, imam, priest, sheikh, guru. You and I, alike.
It’s daft to put certain people on a pedestal according to their particular profession or role. Respect is of course fitting for those who seem to dedicate their lives to serving others. But don’t be blind, or allow yourself to be blinded. Behind the hallowed status is a person, likewise engaged in that raging battle.
Some may be blessed to have the forces of good on the ascendancy, guiding everything they do, making them humble servants of the people. Others may have completely succumbed to the ceaseless call to malevolent deeds, the feeble whispers to goodness vanquished. Most, I suspect, are somewhere between the two, sometimes good and sometimes bad, but generally maintaining course.
Don’t be surprised if a seemingly religious personality turns out to be corrupt, serving only their base desires. They are human, not a manifestation of faith itself. Don’t pin all your hopes on the apparition of piety in others.
Strive instead to be the best version of yourself you can be. Stop yourself when on the verge of responding to an inner call to mischief. Strive daily, in every moment, to purify that heart of yours. Our own intentions and deeds are all we’re responsible for.
As for those who use religion as cover, or a corruption of faith for evil ends: yes, they too will be held to account in the end. Let no bushy beard, thobe or tuban fool you, nor a grand title or great following. God will hold all to account equally.
“Verily, God does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and deeds.”
Hadith recorded by Muslim and Ibn Majah
Last modified: 12 September 2023
