PEER PRESSURE / GROUP CONFORMITY How many have been led to accept decisions made by their elders of society or even family members, for the sake of upholding tradition or cultural norms? Outcomes, which they knew were not entirely fair or just? A consensus, which they were roped into as part of wider pressure on them to conform? There is some analogy in the Quran. It captures an insidious ploy by a group of relatives which turned grievous, which subsequently had to be ratified with consensus, otherwise their contrivances would become exposed. The Quran narrates a discussion which ensued amongst brothers, where even murder was considered as an option. One can only imagine ELEVEN brothers and the pressure exerted by them on possibly the younger members of the group, those less influential, more impressionable, easily succumbed or coerced. Albeit the option of murder was on the table, one brother of Joseph clearly REJECTED IT and advanced a less grievous option. In his response, there seems to be an element of ‘caution’ amidst the need to conform to the group. This is given by the expression in kuntum failin (if you are going to do something). 012.010 Said one of them (a speaker): DO NOT kill Joseph but if you are going to do something (in kuntum failin), throw him down to the bottom of the well. (He) will be picked up by some caravan (of travellers). There is so much wisdom that can be extracted from this one expression. Even though one cannot change the outcome, one must be willing to make their point if it is against their conscience and attempt to reduce or eliminate the wrong as best one can. Even if the efforts are futile, their intention would undoubtedly be recorded. From other verses of the Quran, this has wider application. It seems clear that in any potential situation where conformity has a negative connotation, each soul will bear the burden of their participation (or involvement) in the matter and the intent of their hearts would remain under scrutiny and thus, accountable. Another incident which supports this view is the matter pertaining to slander, where God makes it clear that each person would bear a burden in accordance to their involvement. 024.011 Indeed! Those who spread the slander / lie are a group among you. Do not think it a bad thing for you; nay, it is good for you. For every person among them (will be paid) THAT WHICH HE HAS EARNED OF THE SIN; and as for him among them who had the greater share of it, IS AN AWFUL DOOM. Alas, there are those that remain silent or even nonchalant as part of a group, even though the decisions being made are against their conscience. It may be that one cannot change the outcome. However, they must be willing to voice their concerns in the best possible manner if they can. In the end, one is only responsible for their own souls. RELATED ARTICLES: [1] STAND UP FOR JUSTICE quransmessage/articles/justice%20FM3.htm [2] GROUP CONFORMITY – A POWERFUL FORCE https://facebook/Quransmessage/posts/365187950195443
Posted on: Sun, 27 Apr 2014 21:00:57 +0000
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