The struggle between nations when it is on the physical plane,
with brute force opposed to brute force, debases and bestialises
man. Men are not demoralised if the struggle is confined to the
moral plane. Such a struggle does not breed hatred among nations.
In this case, that system, be it political, social or economic, prevails
which has greater value and clears the path for progress. Here a
word of caution is needed. The moment a system succeeds, one
should not jump to the conclusion that it is of greater value than its
rivals. We should take a long term view. Only when its success is
enduring and it is shown to be productive of good results for
mankind over a period of time, can it be judged to be of value. The
historical process tests each system and preserves only that which
really expands and enriches human life. The Qur'an rightly exhorts
us to study history:
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the nature of the
consequence for those who were before them? They were stronger
than these in power and they dug the earth and built upon it more than
these have built. Messengers of their own came to them with clear
proofs. Surely Allah wronged them not but they did wrong themselves
(30:9).
A mere glance at the awe-inspiring ruins of their cities shows that
they possessed everything desired by man; power, wealth, vast
resources and intelligence of a high order and yet, despite these,
they could not withstand the forces of decay and disintegration. It
was because their system of values was fundamentally wrong. They
were bewitched by the glamour of false and transient values, such as
power, wealth and material prosperity. They had intelligence but not
wisdom. They lacked insight into the deeper things of life. They
paid the price for disregarding the demands of the moral order of
the universe. The Qur'an cites the examples of Aad and Thamood.
Both were rich and powerful nations. They were highly intelligent;
as the Qur'an says, they were "keen observers" (29:38). But they
chose a way of life which was opposed to the moral order. Their
scale of values was wrong. The Qur'an says that it is the duty of the
Mustabsireen, the intellectuals and the leaders of thought, to discover
the right path and persuade the people to follow it. When these men
do not discharge their duty properly, the nation slides into injustice
and tyranny and heads for ruin. The leaders of thought are bound to
Rise and Fall of Nations 272