As modern societies grapple with a growing disconnect between perceived freedom and moral integrity, the Women’s Department of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) India is spearheading a crucial initiative to address these challenges. The forthcoming month-long campaign, scheduled to commence on September 1st, 2024, aims to tackle the erosion of moral standards driven by capitalist influences and the misuse of digital platforms.
A press conference was held in Bengaluru on August 29th, 2024, at Bangalore Islamic Foundation Trust, Darussalam, to formally launch the campaign. Dr. Mohammad Saad Belgaumi, Amir-e-Halqa of Karnataka, oversaw the mission’s rollout across the state, with subsequent activities planned in cities such as Belgaum, Bhatkal, Mangalore, Udupi, Koppal, Raichur, and Gulbarga. The women’s media team provided a detailed explanation of the campaign’s goals and its significance in addressing current social issues.
This campaign seeks to confront the superficial understanding of freedom that has become prevalent in contemporary culture. In today’s world, freedom is often interpreted as unrestricted license, leading to a range of societal issues including addiction to alcohol and gambling, casual relationships, homosexuality, and prostitution. These issues, which are symptomatic of deeper moral and social problems, have contributed to family breakdowns and a troubling sense of societal disintegration.
The focus of the campaign is on re-evaluating the concept of freedom through a lens of moral and ethical responsibility. The Women’s Department of JIH India argues that true freedom should not compromise ethical and moral values. Instead, it should align with principles that promote personal and communal well-being. The campaign will run from September 1st to September 30th, 2024, and aims to engage diverse segments of society in this critical discussion.
Key components of the campaign will include the Bainul Mazahib symposium, titled “The Concept of Ethics in Religion,” which will explore how religious principles intersect with ethical conduct. This symposium will serve as a platform for discussing the integration of moral values into everyday life.
In addition to the symposium, the campaign will feature a series of educational events including meetings and lectures at schools and colleges. These sessions are designed to reach young people and provide them with a deeper understanding of moral freedom as envisioned from an Islamic perspective. By emphasizing the importance of adhering to ethical standards, the campaign aims to guide the younger generation towards a life that aligns with divine teachings.
Interactive elements of the campaign will include a quiz on Surah Noor, intended to engage participants in a meaningful exploration of Islamic ethics. Social media will be leveraged extensively to broadcast interviews and written content, broadening the campaign’s reach and fostering public discussion.