How can we protect ourselves in this society from different ills like pre-marriage relationships? Answers from [email protected]

By Imran Khalid 

In today’s society, many challenges threaten the moral and spiritual well-being of individuals, particularly concerning pre-marital relationships and other issues related to modesty. Islam provides clear guidance on how to safeguard oneself from such societal ills. By adhering to the teachings of the Holy Quran, Hadith, and the guidance of the Promised Messiah (as) and his Khulafah, one can maintain righteousness and protect his faith.

Adultery, fornication and having secret relationships with the opposite sex is a heinous moral lapse which is categorically condemned in the strongest terms by the Holy Quran as well as other Scriptures. This prohibition includes dating, secret paramours and experimental living together. As these are regarded as heavy sins which have an adverse effect on society.

The Holy Quran consistently highlights the significance of modesty, purity, and safeguarding oneself from the very roots of sin. A crucial verse addressing this matter states  

 

“Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do. ^[1]

This verse highlights the necessity of lowering the gaze and maintaining chastity as fundamental principles of an Islamic lifestyle. Modesty in interaction between men and women serves as a preventive measure against the pitfalls of immorality.

It is the door of the gaze from which enters the General of the satanic forces who begins to pave the way for more of his satanic-friends to enter and whisper evil directly into the mind. Protecting one’s gaze means closing this door.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) further reinforced these Quranic teachings. In a well-known Hadith, he said:

 

“Do not follow up a glance with another glance. The first is permitted for you but not the second.” ^[2]

This Hadith emphasises the importance of controlling one’s gaze and avoiding unnecessary interactions that could lead to immoral thoughts or actions. The meaning of the word permitted here means that since the first glance occurs unknowingly, as is the nature of sight that one does not always know what his sight shall fall on, there must be no attempt to cast a glance a second time.

Furthermore, the Holy Prophet (sa) warned about the dangers of fornication, stating:

 

“No man is alone with a woman but the third one present is Satan^{.” [3]}

This Hadith underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessary private interactions with non-mahram individuals to prevent potential wrongdoing.

This statement highlights that true adherence to Islam acts as a shield against moral corruption and societal ills.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) has spoken much about this. He states:

The Promised Messiah (as) has said that righteousness is a ‘charm’ for security. Indeed, every person, no matter which religion one belongs to, or even one who does not belong to a religion, desires to remain in the sphere of security. Whether or not one gives security to the other, one wishes security for him or herself. A villain, a thief, a robber would without doubt harm others but would want himself to be safe from all kinds of losses. Thus, if every person wishes to have security, does not want to receive any harm, wants his night and day to pass safely and soundly, wants to remain safe from every enemy and remain protected from every trouble and does not want to face difficulties—if a believer wishes all this, the way for him is to adopt the fear of God^{. [4]}

Of course the Holy Quran has also explained the best way to protect oneself from all kinds of promiscuity and evil. The verse in the Holy Quran that speaks of this is:

 

Recite that which has been revealed to thee of the Book, and observe Prayer. Surely, Prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil, and remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue. And Allah knows what you do. ^[5]

The individual who performs all his Salat, on time—and in congregation to the utmost of his ability—and tried to perform as it is supposed to be offered, is helped when it comes to staying safe from social evils, especially promiscuity. However, even if a single Salat is missed, it cannot be said that the full benefits of Salat can be derived. If an individual knows that he has to present himself before Allah, For Whom nothing is hidden, he will naturally be inclined towards removing his faults and making more of an effort to cleanse himself of sin.

The practical steps to protect oneself from such ills are:

1. Strengthen Your Faith – Be regular in Salat, study the Quran, and engage in the remembrance of Allah in order to build taqwa (righteousness).
2. Avoid Unnecessary Interactions – Follow Islamic guidelines regarding modesty and interactions with the opposite gender.
3. Lower Your Gaze – As emphasised in the Holy Quran and Hadith, guarding one’s eyes is one of the principle ways to maintain purity of heart and mind.
4. Avoid Harmful Influences – Stay away from immoral environments, inappropriate social media platforms, and negative peer pressure.
5. Seek Early Marriage – Islam encourages marriage at an appropriate age to safeguard oneself from moral pitfalls.

Islam provides a comprehensive framework for maintaining moral integrity in society. By following the teachings Islam Ahmadiyyat, one can remain steadfast in faith and protect themselves from moral decline. True success lies in adhering to these divine commandments and seeking Allah’s help in every aspect of life.

 

[1] The Holy Quran 24:31

[2] Abu Dawood, Hadith 2149

[3] Tirmidhi, Hadith 2165

[4] Garments for Each Other, p.118-119

[5] The Holy Quran 29:46