Defining Good and Evil Based on Divine Revelation
Translated from original Urdu content❖ The Status and Role of Revelation (Wahy)
It is incorrect to claim that revelation only provides guidance where human reason, innate nature, or collective consciousness fail. Such a belief undermines the authority and status of revelation.
In truth, the primary function of revelation is to provide a fundamental and definitive understanding of good and evil.
Within this universe, humankind has no ultimate standard for determining good and evil without revelation.
❖ The Foundational Role of Prophetic Guidance
Considering the guidance of a Prophet as secondary is a grave mistake.
The Prophet's role is foundational and primary. Without prophetic guidance, a human being would be like one lost in the darkness of the universe.
If someone reaches the truth through their own efforts or abilities, it is nothing more than coincidence, not a reflection of inherent capability.
❖ Examples Highlighting the Need for Revelation
◈ Speaking the truth, avoiding falsehood, displaying love, compassion, and selflessness cannot be regarded as universal human values independent of revelation.
◈ Similarly, abstaining from murder, adultery, and disobedience to parents are not innate human moral instincts, but are products of divine guidance.
◈ Those who label such values as “universal values” are deeply mistaken.
Removing prophetic guidance from the picture would result in a severe conflict between the inner selves — the Nafs al-Lawwāmah and the Nafs al-Ammārah — with no possible resolution.
❖ The Inner Struggle of the Self and the Need for Revelation
Human nature comprises two opposing elements:
- Nafs al-Lawwāmah (the reproaching soul), which seeks to rely on revelation for moral clarity.
- Nafs al-Ammārah (the commanding soul), which overpowers the conscience under the dominance of desire.
Without the light of revelation, the Nafs al-Lawwāmah is rendered blind, and in the sway of Nafs al-Ammārah, one falls into misguidance.
Only Prophetic and revelatory guidance can lead a person toward the state of Nafs al-Mutma’innah — the soul at peace.
❖ The Essential Role of the Prophet in Defining Good and Evil
The Prophet’s ﷺ role in defining good and evil is of immense and foundational significance.
Our scholars and theologians engaged in centuries-long debates with the Mu‘tazilah, who were heavily influenced by Greek rationalism, to address these critical questions.
These scholarly efforts helped block the pathways of misguidance that such reasoning had opened.
❖ A Caution for the Modern Era
It is regrettable that in today's world, individuals influenced by Western philosophies are attempting to lead the Ummah back down those same dubious paths, labeling it as “intellectual progress”.
In reality, this is a deceptive illusion, not true scholarship.
❖ Foundational Principle
Revelation is the only definitive source for determining good and evil. Prophetic guidance is not supplementary—it is fundamental. Without it, the moral compass of humanity collapses into chaos.