DO NOT FOLLOW THE MULTITUDE TO DO EVIL
In a world where the majority often sets the trend, it's easy to fall into the trap of doing what everyone else is doing, even when it’s wrong. Standing against evil in a society that normalizes it can be challenging, but both the Bible and the Quran provide guidance on the importance of staying true to what is right, regardless of popular opinion.
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
The Bible is explicit in its warning against following the crowd to commit wrongdoing. In Exodus 23:2, the Scripture says:
"Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd."
This verse highlights the danger of following the multitude, emphasizing that justice and righteousness should not be compromised, even when the majority is leading in the opposite direction. The call is clear: we are to stand firm in our beliefs and convictions, even if it means standing alone. Another relevant passage is Proverbs 1:10:
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent."
The Bible encourages us to remain steadfast, resisting the temptation to conform to the pressures around us. The strength to do so comes from understanding that our duty is to God and truth, not to the opinions of the majority.
THE QURANIC PERSPECTIVE
The Quran also advises against following those who engage in evil. Surah Al-An’am 6:116 says:
"And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you far from Allah’s way. They follow nothing but assumptions and do nothing but lie."
This verse warns against blindly following the crowd, especially when it leads one away from righteousness. It stresses the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and acting based on the guidance of Allah rather than the whims of the majority. Another relevant verse is Surah Al-Furqan 25:63: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace."
This highlights the call to stand out in character and conduct, even when surrounded by negative influences.
WISDOM FROM RENOWNED EXPERTS Numerous philosophers and thinkers have also addressed the dangers of conforming to the wrong actions of the majority:
1. Albert Einstein once said:
"Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth." Einstein’s words remind us of the importance of critical thinking and not following others blindly. Truth is not determined by numbers but by principles.
2. Martin Luther King Jr, a champion for justice, stated:
"The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people."
This quote emphasizes the responsibility each of us has to stand against evil, even when it means going against the crowd. Silence or complicity in the face of wrongdoing is just as harmful as the evil itself.
3. Edmund Burke, a British statesman and philosopher, famously said:
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Burke’s words serve as a reminder that it is not enough to be passive when surrounded by wrongdoing. Action and courage are necessary to counter evil, even when it means opposing the majority.
STANDING ALONE FOR TRUTH
Following the crowd is easy, but it often leads to compromise and moral decay. It is important to remember that the majority is not always right. In fact, history is filled with instances where only a few stood for truth against the masses. In today's world, where social media and peer pressure often dictate trends and opinions, the call to resist evil remains relevant. We are encouraged to follow God’s guidance and remain unwavering in our convictions, even if it means being isolated or criticized. Conclusion
Standing against the multitude in the pursuit of righteousness requires courage, faith, and wisdom. Whether one looks to the Bible, the Quran, or the wisdom of respected leaders, the message is consistent: do not follow the crowd when it leads to evil. Instead, choose to be a light, even when surrounded by darkness. As Romans 12:2 in the Bible advises:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
" And as the Quran echoes, guidance comes from Allah, and it is that guidance that should shape our actions, not the fleeting and often misguided opinions of the crowd.
AUTHOR:
MR. ANIEBIET UDO
