By Ahmad Shuaibu Isa 

It may seem that individuals who prioritize personal desires over others, disregard societal norms without remorse, or exploit power for personal gain, are often found outside religious institutions or even spiritual dispensations. However, reality reveals a troubling truth: hypocrisy, self-interest, and a lack of consistency are pervasive across various contexts, including within religious and social frameworks.

People frequently display hypocrisy, driven by psychological, social, and cultural pressures, particularly in the pursuit of fame or material comfort. The human desire for validation often compels individuals to act contrary to their true values as humans, distorting their integrity to secure recognition or acceptance.

This hypocrisy is often amplified by many factors and also forces such as the other face of media sometimes, low self esteem and peer expectations. Cognitive dissonance enables individuals to rationalize their contradictory actions, alleviating the discomfort of their inconsistency. Ultimately, hypocrisy is fueled by self-interest, societal pressures, and a lack of self-awareness, necessitating introspection and moral integrity for resolution.

Similarly, in leadership, individuals who have previously been oppressed may perpetuate the same injustices once they gain power. Psychological and social factors, such as a desire for retribution or a sense of entitlement, contribute to this cycle of oppression.

The corrupting nature of power, compounded by groupthink and societal norms, often leads leaders to prioritize control over fairness. Ideological superiority is invoked to justify the suppression of dissent, with leaders believing their actions are morally justified.

Historical and contemporary examples underscore how former victims of oppression can evolve into oppressive figures. To interrupt this cycle, it is essential to cultivate accountability, transparency, and empathy in leadership, ensuring that power is exercised equitably and dissent is safeguarded.

In the realm of religious institutions, some individuals distort sacred teachings to justify subjugation, inequality, and violence, despite the fundamental principles of justice and equality inherent in many religious doctrines.

While the true spirit of these teachings advocates for peace, justice, and the rejection of oppression, certain groups manipulate religious texts to advance personal agendas.

This misapplication often serves to consolidate power and control, fostering conformity at the expense of authentic religious values.

Finally, the interconnectedness of law, rules, and morality with the principle of equality is crucial for the functioning of a just society.

Laws must be designed to ensure equal treatment for all individuals, without discrimination, to uphold justice. Similarly, rules must be applied consistently and fairly to foster cohesion and prevent resentment.

A moral system grounded in equality encourages empathy, cooperation, and respect for all individuals. When these foundational principles are divorced from equality, they lose their legitimacy and contribute to oppression. Equality, therefore, is not only a cornerstone of justice but also the basis for the proper functioning of legal, social, and moral systems.

 

Ahmad Shuaibu Isa [email protected]

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