Today’s Evil

In the journey of life, goodness and evil always coexist. Human beings are constantly navigating between the two. The Holy Qur’an repeatedly highlights both concepts. However, this reflection is focused solely on "evil." Although the term seems short and simple, it carries profound and far-reaching meanings.

What is evil? In general terms, it refers to wrongdoing, corruption, harm, or any negative action. Yet evil is not limited to physical deeds — it can also manifest as an idea, an attitude, or even a lifestyle.

The Qur’an states:

“And man has been created weak.” (An-Nisa: 28)

This highlights human vulnerability — a condition often exploited by evil. When a person is in a weakened state, they are more inclined to follow the path of wrongdoing.

Hazrat Ali (RA) beautifully articulated:

“Evil is that which distances you from your Lord.”

Every thought, act, or attitude that disconnects a person from Allah is evil — whether it's telling a lie, causing emotional pain, harboring pride, envy, hatred, or engaging in deception — all are forms and shades of evil.

Evil doesn't always announce itself openly. It can hide behind gentle speech, pleasant expressions, or even acts that appear virtuous on the surface. That’s why Allama Iqbal insightfully remarked:

“Satan was given time to prostrate, but his intention was filled with evil.”

This calls us to reflect — evil isn’t only what is obvious. Even silence, when it supports injustice, is a form of evil. Choosing to remain mute in the face of oppression, ignoring falsehood, or failing to defend the innocent — all these too fall under the umbrella of evil.

In Surah An-Naas, Allah says:

“From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws.”

Here, we are instructed to seek refuge from the one who injects whispers of doubt and darkness into the human heart. Suspicion, mistrust, envy, and rage — when planted subtly — become potent tools of evil.

A major indicator of evil is its ability to steer a person away from righteousness. It fuels laziness, trivializes sin, and tempts the ego. This is the slippery slope that leads one away from the light.

Hazrat Umar (RA) once said:

“If any deed diverts you from the remembrance of Allah, then it is evil.”

This statement urges deep introspection. How many daily actions are pulling us away from our Creator? Shouldn’t those be identified as evil too?

Another dark side of evil is its capacity to ruin the lives of others. Perhaps the most destructive tool of evil is the human tongue. A single harsh word, a baseless accusation, or a sarcastic remark — can devastate someone’s entire existence.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (RA) wrote:

“The tongue is the most powerful weapon in the arsenal of evil.”

That is why the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Bukhari)

Shielding oneself from evil is not just about protecting others, but also a way of safeguarding one’s own soul. Any action that harms our emotional, spiritual, or physical wellbeing qualifies as evil.

Evil strengthens its grip on society when people choose to stay quiet. When immorality becomes normal, and goodness seems rare or outdated — society begins its decline.

Allama Iqbal once said:

“The world tells us to do good, but protecting oneself from evil is even more essential.”

Now is the time for honest self-assessment. What direction are we heading in? Are our deeds nurturing good or spreading evil? Do our words, our attitudes, and our intentions carry the fragrance of virtue or the shadow of vice?

Evil is like a slow, creeping smoke that darkens the soul over time. The only reliable refuge is in turning to Allah. Prayer, remembrance, sincere repentance, and keeping the company of righteous people — these are our spiritual defenses.

In conclusion:

To recognize evil is a form of awareness. To avoid it — that is an act of devotion.