Has the world ever changed?

Second, people who are morally bankrupt use the phrase ‘the world has changed’ to exonerate themselves of any blame in addition to covering up their ethical deficiencies. Third, there are others whose recourse to saying ‘the world has changed’ is a manifestation of the defeat suffered by their conscience; whence they feel daunted. Many of […]

Second, people who are morally bankrupt use the phrase ‘the world has changed’ to exonerate themselves of any blame in addition to covering up their ethical deficiencies. Third, there are others whose recourse to saying ‘the world has changed’ is a manifestation of the defeat suffered by their conscience; whence they feel daunted. Many of those who advance excuses under the guise of a changing world belong to the first of these three categories. Their goal, most often, is either to allow children and youths behave the way they choose or permit them to get away with faults.
When we rationalize the expression ‘the world has changed’, the statement within the context of realism does not seem to have any philosophical truth. How could anyone say ‘the world has changed’ when the sun still rises in the east and sets in the west? Which world has changed when the moon still comes only after sunset; rain still falls from the sky; and rocks yet do not move from their positions? Why should anyone say ‘the world has changed’ when women, and not men, are the folk that still give birth; when speech sounds still remain the exclusive characteristic of mankind  and not of lions, birds, or reptiles? So, which world has changed?
Even when Allah (SWT) is unhappy with us and thus decides to punish us for our sins, it is certainly not the phenomenal world that changes. What Allah (SWT) usually changes is the social circumstances of our existence. Yet, that is not metaphorically good enough to say ‘the world has changed’. Of course, Allah (SWT) is not intent on punishment. He created man virtuous and pure; gave man intelligence and knowledge; and surrounded him with all instruments of His grace and mercy. But if in spite of all this, man chooses to be blind and then distorts his own nature from the beautiful mould in which Allah fashioned it; Allah’s wrath shall descend on him and the favourable position in which Allah placed him will be changed.
All the good things and other comforts of life we used to enjoy (as part of Allah’s mercy on us) have ceased to be part of our daily experiences because we opted to rebel against Allah’s injunctions. Selfless leaders, good governance, personal discilpline, peace in our homes and communities, security on the roads, religious harmony, social cohesion, public trust, quality education, healthy members of the society, and a nation of patriotic citizens; are some of Allah’s favours we all once enjoyed in this country. These blessings, as a consequence of our actions and inactions in some cases, have all been replaced with selfish leaders, bad governance, indiscipline, corruption, violence, insecurity, bigotry, mistrust, diseased population, decayed educational system, and an unpatriotic generation that is ready to give away its country for money. This situation is simply the result of our revolt against Allah’s law who states in Qur’an 8:58 “Because Allah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: and verily Allah is He who hearth and knoweth (all things)”.
Allah (SWT) never withdraws His grace arbitrarily until after an actual state of rebellion and contumacy is manifest in the life of a people. How do you expect all to be well with you as a nation, community, clan or family, when trust which was the hallmark of pre-colonial Nigerians and their leaders up to the end of the first decade after independence is now a virtue that is no longer human but angelic? If today you have a cause to travel far for two years and you entrust your wealth or wife or position of authority to someone you presumably do not doubt his integrity; you are not likely to be pleased with what becomes of the wealth, wife or position on your successful return. A country where criminals are granted state pardon and given national honours is not a convenient domicile for Allah’s grace.
Some of our Imams and pastors like the present crop of political leaders in Nigeria have equally not been exemplary enough to youths and children. Some traditional rulers in the country have similarly compromised their integrity through open and partisan relationship with politicians; becoming stooges in some cases to political actors. A judiciary that jails those guilty of stealing a goat but acquits public officers found guilty of stealing billions of naira is part of the problem. Lawmakers like other leaders have become lawbreakers. A situation in which it is considered an acceptable norm for parents to derelict their naturally assigned roles of providing care and love for their children surely puts the country’s future in critical jeopardy.
Readers must have realized that it is Nigerians, and not the world, that have changed. The present sorry state of Nigeria should, as affirmed in Qur’an 30:41, be seen in the light of what ‘the hands of men have earned’. Our existing circumstances should inspire us to repent from our sins; with a resolve to live a God-fearing life. May Allah (SWT) reverse the country’s appalling situation for the common good of all, amin.