Corruption

Being the Muslims, we should keep the saying of Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in our
minds:-

“Bribe-giver and the bribe-taker are both doomed for hell.”

Corruption is multi-dimensional social evil. It is the problem of problems in the world if today. It
has clung to mankind like an incurable disease. It is a widespread moral degradation in the
society. Nepotism, misappropriation of public money and non-accountability have spread the
waves of corruption in almost all the departments of life. Even courts of justice and education are
no exceptions. They have also become an arena of corruption.

Corruption is a severe threat to the national existence. It impairs the whole system of moral,
ethical and religious values of a civil society. The distinction between right and wrong
disappears. Revolutions and military takeovers become common. In fact, corruption is one of the
main causes of the downfall of nations in the past.

Corruption has almost become an integral part of our economic, social and cultural activities.
From the bottom to the top, the whole machinery is corrupt. The corrupt people use quite
amazing techniques and surprising tricks to deceive others. From a peon to the boss, almost and
everyone is involved in corruption directly or indirectly. Usually, the police and income tax
departments were notorious for corruption. But, now, this evil has spread to every department of
the government. It has penetrated deep into our social system and rusted the machinery of
government.

Bribery, nepotism and misuse of powers have entirely destroyed the moral fibre of our society.
Almost all the civil and military officials have fallen a prey to corruption. They touch to the
lowest level of immorality for the sake of monetary gains.
There are several factors that contribute to the prevalence of corruption. First, the people are lack
of contentment because of economic insecurity in our society.

Every person wishes to get rich overnight and, therefore, tries to feather his nest. Second, the
inflation rate in unchecked in our society. The public officials are unable to maintain their
standard of living within salary. So, they are tempted to accept the bribe. Third, lack of
accountability on the part of the public servants and the politicians waters the flower of
corruption. Four, most of the people have ignored religion and moral traditions. They want to
amass wealth at any cost. They have no sense of right and wrong.

“Conscience is God’s presence in man.” (Swedenborg)

To root out corruption, we shall have to end the corruption culture. We should re-establish our
link with religion which can keep us on the right path. All the responsible officials and
politicians must be accountable for their deeds. The anti-corruption department should be
empowered to give exemplary punishments to the corrupt people.

“Corruption is like a ball of snow, once it’s set a rolling it must increase.” (Charles Caleb)