The genocide of Native Americans
Many in our community will consider choosing a lesser evil in the November 2024 election. They will come in different garbs, convincing us that selecting a lesser evil is the sunnah of the Prophet. No, it is not.
The Prophet never compromised with evil. If we accept a lesser evil, our claims of truth, justice, and freedom are false.
We cannot justify supporting anyone who endorses genocide. We must oppose both the Republicans and Democrats trying to outbid each other in cheering for human blood spilled in Palestine.
The German Nazis killed 6 million Jews plus millions of others, while Stalin killed 9 million. Was Hitler a lesser evil?
Were slave traders a lesser evil because compared with European settlers in America, they killed only 20 million
Was Churchill a lesser evil who caused 3 million to die in the Bengal famine while enriching aristocrats in Britain?
Is General Yahya of Pakistan Khan a lesser evil than Pol Pot of Cambodia because he killed a few thousand less?
Evil is evil. But what is it?
The dictionary definition of "evil" reads as follows:
Evil (noun):
Profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity, especially when regarded as a supernatural force.
A force or power that brings about harm, misfortune, or destruction.
Evil (adjective):
Morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked.
Harmful; injurious.
Characterized or accompanied by misfortune or suffering; unfortunate; disastrous.
Social sciences understand it as a social construct or concept that reflects actions, behaviors, or systems that cause significant harm, suffering, or injustice to individuals or groups. It is less about a supernatural or metaphysical force and more about the social, psychological, and cultural factors contributing to harmful behavior or oppressive systems.
Religions define evil as profound immorality, wickedness, or depravity, often associated with causing harm, suffering, or destruction. Evil is the opposite of sound and encompasses various negative behaviors or forces, from personal wrongdoing to systemic injustice, natural disasters, or supernatural entities.
1. Christianity
Definition: In Christianity, evil is a moral wrong opposing God's will. It is associated with sin, the devil, and the corruption of the soul.
Source of Evil: Evil's origin is Satan's fall and Adam and Eve's original sin in the Garden of Eden.
Overcoming Evil: Christians believe in overcoming through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and living according to God's commandments.
2. Islam
Definition: In Islam, evil (often referred to as "Sharr") is anything that goes against the divine will of Allah. It can be a result of human free will or the influence of Shaitan (Satan).
Source of Evil: Evil originates from the disobedience of Iblis (Satan), who refused to bow to Adam, and from the choices humans make that deviate from the path of righteousness.
Overcoming Evil: Muslims believe that evil can be resisted by following the teachings of the Quran, adhering to the Five Pillars of Islam, and seeking forgiveness through prayer and good deeds.
3. Judaism
Definition: In Judaism, evil is often understood as a force that opposes God's will, leading to sin and moral failings. It can be both a natural evil (suffering caused by nature) and a moral evil (wrongdoings by humans).
Source of Evil: The concept of the Yetzer Hara, or the "evil inclination," is significant in Judaism. It is an inherent part of human nature that must be controlled and guided by Yetzer Hatov, the "good inclination."
Overcoming Evil: Jews believe in overcoming evil by adhering to the Torah, performing mitzvot (commandments), and engaging in ethical conduct and repentance.
4. Hinduism
Definition: In Hinduism, evil is ignorance (avidya) and the illusion of separateness (maya). It manifests as actions (karma) that lead to suffering and keep individuals bound in the cycle of rebirth (samsara).
Source of Evil: Evil arises from ignorance of one's true nature and attachment to the material world. It is in various demons (asuras) and antagonistic deities.
Overcoming Evil: Hindus believe in overcoming evil through self-realization, dharma (righteous living), devotion (bhakti), and attaining moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
5. Buddhism
Definition: In Buddhism, evil results from ignorance, greed, and hatred and leads to suffering (dukkha).
Source of Evil: The root of evil lies in the Three Poisons: ignorance (avidya), attachment (raga), and aversion (dvesha). These lead to harmful actions (karma) that perpetuate suffering.
Overcoming Evil: Buddhists seek to overcome evil by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right intention, and right action. This path leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.
6. Sikhism
Definition: In Sikhism, evil is actions and thoughts that distance individuals from God (Waheguru) and spiritual truth.
Source of Evil: The sources of evil are the Five Thieves (lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego), which lead to spiritual ignorance and suffering.
Overcoming Evil: Sikhs overcome evil by living a life of devotion, service (seva), and righteousness (dharma), as taught by the Gurus, and by meditating on God's name (Naam Japna).
7. Taoism
Definition: In Taoism, evil is an imbalance and disharmony with the Tao, the universe's natural order.
Source of Evil: Evil arises from human actions that disrupt the harmony and balance of the Tao. It is a result of living contrary to the natural way.
Overcoming Evil: Taoists believe in overcoming evil by aligning oneself with the Tao, through simplicity, humility, and living in harmony with nature and the universe.
8. Zoroastrianism
Definition: In Zoroastrianism, evil is in the figure of Angra Mainyu (Ahriman), the destructive spirit who opposes Ahura Mazda, the God of light and goodness.
Source of Evil: Evil is a cosmic force in constant conflict with the good. This dualistic struggle defines individuals' moral and spiritual lives.
Overcoming Evil: Zoroastrians believe in overcoming evil by choosing the path of Asha (truth and order), following the teachings of Zoroaster, and living a life of good thoughts, words, and deeds.
9. Indigenous and Traditional Religions
Definition: In many indigenous and traditional religions, evil is often seen as a disruption of the natural and spiritual balance, leading to misfortune, illness, and social disharmony.
Source of Evil: Evil can come from malevolent spirits, curses, or the breaking of taboos and moral codes.
Overcoming Evil: These religions often use rituals, ceremonies, and the guidance of shamans or spiritual leaders to restore balance and ward off evil.
No direct Hadith from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly uses the phrase "choosing the lesser of two evils." However, the principle of choosing the lesser evil comes from various Hadiths and the broader Islamic legal and ethical tradition. One such Hadith that is cited in this context is:
Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):
"Whenever the Prophet was given a choice between two matters, he would choose the easier of the two, as long as it was not sinful; but if it were sinful, he would remain far from it." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3560)
Conclusion
The concept of choosing the "lesser of two evils" is a moral dilemma that arises when an individual or group must choose between two unfavorable options. Both are harmful or morally wrong, but one is less dangerous or damaging than the other.
In the context of choosing between Trump and Kamala, many Muslims tend to believe that Kamala is less harmful to Democracy and people's welfare. Others have a different perspective.
However, both are unanimous in their support of genocide committed by the closest US ally, Israel, with American tax dollars and weapons.
From a political, religious, and moral perspective, both are for violence against innocent Palestinians due to their dependence on the Zionist lobby in America.
As a believer in God, who makes life sacred to be protected and preserved, we cannot support genocide campers. We are accountable to our conscience; a vote is our commitment to the values we believe in. We should reject both and opt for someone who rejects genocide and values human life.
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