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THE POTENTIAL OF LOVE IN SOCIETY
Sociologically love is a potential and effective
force. The best of the societies is that which is organized on the basis of
fraternity i.e. the love of the administrator and the ruler towards the
subjects, and the devotion of the people towards the ruler and the
administrator.
The love and the affection
in the ruler is a major factor for the solidarity and continuity of a
government. As long as a ruler is divested of love, he may not be able to, or
with difficulty may, give lead to the people and make them disciplined and law
abiding. But as soon as he establishes harmony and justice in society, people
will become law abiding because they find their ruler also having respect for
the same. It is his respect, which persuades people to obedience and
submission. The Quran addressing the Prophet says that you have power of
persuasion and ability to organise a society:
"Because of Allah's
bounty and benevolence, you are of tender heart for them. Had you been harsh
and snobbish, people would have scattered away from you. So forgive them,
beseech their emancipation and in your affairs consult them".
Herein, firstly, Allah traced the cause, for which
the people would rally around the Prophet, in the love and affection, which he
had for them. Thereafter, Allah commands him to forgive them, to seek their
emancipation and to take them in confidence in the administration of
affairs.
All these are consequences of love and affection
because kindness, forbearance and tolerance flow from love and equity.
He, with the sword of tolerance, redeemed so many people,
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