INTRODUCTION

As you watch television, read the newspaper, or pass by somewhere, you run into many issues which you would rather not hear about or see. People abandoned to hunger, murders, massacres, the oppressed unable to stand up for their rights, discord, curses, insulting and demeaning language, and general unrest, for which the blame can be attributed to conflicts of interests, and tyrannies and so on...

There is no doubt that you, like everyone else, would like to live in a society where people are committed to peace and security, where people hesitate to oppress or harm one another, and always hear good, loving, caring, and honoring words from one another. Such an environment, ensuring a structure of relationships shaped by respect and love, is everyone's dream. As you flip through channels on television, turn the pages of a newspaper, at home or at your workplace, you would love to see happy, joyful, friendly, sincere, honest, respectful people of good nature displaying moral perfection. Surely, you would like to hear nothing but good news.

However, hoping that one day things will spontaneously change for the better would only be wishful thinking. Therefore, those who are sincerely willing to live in a society where peace, security and freedom prevail, should waste no time in taking action and be willing to make certain sacrifices.

Once you carefully evaluate events unfolding around with intelligence, conscience and common sense, you will recognize the existence of people who are whole-heartedly committed to establishing all the values of goodness mentioned above, and who devote all their time, resources and energy to this cause. While these people, wholly devoted to an all-out effort to make righteousness and good prevail, are exposed to unfair treatment from time to time, or intimidated by those parties against goodness, you must never let it discourage you. That is because, by the Will of God, the people who strive for goodness will certainly triumph over those who are wicked. So, you must unite with these "good" people, who are sincere, compassionate, true, just, honest, merciful, tolerant, fair, optimistic, charitable, unpretentious and forgiving, and offer them all your support. 
 
When you look around, as well as the good, you can also identify the evil ones and the type of society they intend to establish. In our day, the "evil ones" have established an apparently powerful alliance, and most likely, through their various methods, have silenced and intimidated many people advocating good morals. Behind all the evil you are not willing to acknowledge around, but which you can nonetheless not avoid, namely tyranny, corruption, disaffection, hatred, mercilessness, injustice, poverty, gossip, everything that upsets, annoys and distresses people, lies this concerted alliance of the evil.

The good and conscientious should never remain indifferent to this ever-present menace. If this evil moves you at all and you hope for a trouble-free world, then you are evidently a person of conscience. Thus, before vice takes hold of you and blunts your conscience, you should ally yourself with the good, and for the rest of your life, devote all your efforts to this cause. Never forget that turning a blind eye to oppression and watching from the sidelines is oppression. 

No one should muffle his own voice with the excuse: "will my effort be of any help?", because it is one's inner intentions and sincere efforts which ultimately make the difference. One's efforts to join forces with the good and strive for what is right will be rendered by God a means to abolish all this wickedness and the alliance the evil endeavour to establish. In a verse of the Qur'an, God stresses the necessity for the existence of people who will prevent the harm of evil on earth:

Why were there not, among the generations before you, persons possessed of balanced good sense, prohibiting (men) from mischief in the earth - except a few among them whom We saved (from harm)? Those who did wrong gladly pursued the life of luxury that they were given and were evildoers. (Surah Hud: 116)

This book is a call to those who want goodness to prevail, bidding them to engage in good deeds and ally with the good. However, this call is not made to someone or some people somewhere out there; but directly concerns you. Even if you had until now allied with the evil, this book calls you to repent and to be on the side of the good and live by true moral values until death comes upon you.
 

THE REAL GOAL OF THE EVIL'S ALLIANCE

Out of inherent jealousy and rivalry, selfish, ambitious, unscrupulous and malicious people can never take a joint action or co-operate. As a result, factions emerge among them which cause still more enmity between one another. In a verse this trait of the disbelievers is stated as follows:

... Their hostility towards each other is intense. You consider them united but their hearts are scattered wide. That is because they are people who do not use their intellect. (Surat al-Hashr: 14) 

Nevertheless, despite the existence of these factions among them, some factors bring the evil together and make them act in unison. Before anything else, what makes them come together and unite for a common goal is, as mentioned in earlier sections, the influence of Satan has on the wicked ones. Their unification is not dependant on a call, a declaration or a written agreement. Indeed, in most cases, not a word is spoken or a meeting held to establish a strong unity. Even those among whom there is constant competition, or who have problems with each other due to conflict of interests, forget all about their differences when a common goal is in question, and decide to unite. This goal is the one commanded by Satan: to form a joint force against the good, against Muslims who believe in God and the hereafter, sincere, conscientious and honest people who are on the side of justice. In this way, they want to coerce the good to their side…God gives an account of this secret call of Satan in the verse; "…The Satans inspire their friends to dispute with you…"(Surat al-An'am: 121)

The ultimate aim of this alliance, shaped by the efforts and inspiration of Satan, does not differ from the goals of the evil of the past.

Both in the past and today, the main goal of the alliance of the evil is to hinder the diffusion of moral values, like self-sacrifice, sincerity, honesty, conscientiousness and justice among people. No matter how such people strive to present themselves as the advocates of goodness, and living by the principles of the Qur'an, these values will always remain an impediment to their attainment of their personal ambitions, that is, they do not suit their purposes. This is the underlying reason why they exert such an all-out effort to obstruct the spread of the Qur'anic principles and desire to have fewer good people around. Meanwhile, they wish the good to become diverted from the right path, and to join them. They always wish them to disregard the truth and pursue trivial aims and desires, as do the wicked, and become people who live only to eat, drink and enjoy themselves. Once the good start talking, thinking and writing like them, and conduct themselves towards the young, children and elderly in a like manner, they will be satisfied and stop opposing them. In several verses, God informs us that disbelievers are deeply committed to the idea of making the good side with themselves:

They would like you to disbelieve just as they disbelieve so that you will all be the same… (Surat an-Nisa': 89)

If they come upon you, they will be your enemies and stretch out their hands and tongues against you with evil intent, and they would dearly love you to disbelieve. (Surat al-Mumtahana: 2)

Many of the People of the Book would love it if they could make you revert to disbelief after you have believed, showing their innate envy now that the truth is clear to them. But you should pardon and overlook until God gives His command. Truly God has power over all things. (Surat al-Baqara: 109)

God informs in another verse that disbelievers would continue striving until they divert the believers from their religion:

…but barring access to the Way of God and rejecting Him and barring access to the Masjid al-Haram and expelling its people from it are far more serious in the sight of God. Tumult is worse than killing. They will not stop fighting you until they make you revert from your religion, if they are able. As for any of you who revert from their religion and die while they are disbelievers, their actions will come to nothing in the world and the hereafter. They are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (Surat al-Baqara: 217)

Another primary goal of the alliance of the evil is to hinder believers from performing good deeds through various methods, if they fail to draw them to their own side. Information about the former nations constitute important part of the Qur'an, informing us about their methods, which range from slander, to arrest, threat, murder, assassination, massacre, exile, mockery, humiliation, and wreaking the unity of the believers. Some such verses are as follows:

As for those who have set up a mosque, causing harm and out of disbelief, to create division between the believers, and in readiness for those who previously made war on God and His Messenger, they will swear, 'We only desired the best.' But God bears witness that they are truly liars. (Surat at-Tawba: 107)

Before them the people of Noah denied the truth. They denied Our servant, saying, 'He is madman, 'and he was driven away with jeers. (Surat al-Qamar: 9)

God merely forbids you from taking as friends those who have fought you in the religion and driven you from your homes and who supported your expulsion. Any who take them as friends are wrongdoers. (Surat al-Mumtahana: 9)

However, it should not be forgotten that in the Qur'an, God makes it clear that futile are the strivings of those who drift away from the religion of God and revolt against His messengers:

The people of Noah denied the truth before them, and the Confederates after them. Every nation planned to seize its Messenger and used false arguments to rebut the truth. So I seized them, and how was My retribution! (Surah Ghafir: 5)

LEADERS OF THE EVIL'S ALLIANCE

In the Qur'an, God states that the doers of mischief on earth, who are struggling to hinder believers from their noble cause, are guided by certain people who are, in Qur'anic terms, called the "the chiefs of the nation". A close read of the Qur'an reveals that such leaders existed in every society and throughout history. These people attempted to provoke the masses against believers and, deriving power from their prosperity and social status, remained arrogant, aggressive and unyielding. In the face of these leaders' apparent grandeur, based on wealth and temporal power, people generally feared them, and out of this fear, followed their way. As the Qur'an informs, however, complying with these people, and putting one's trust in them without listening to the voice of one's conscience, will be a reason to be dragged into hellfire. God explains this fact in His verses as follows:

We sent Moses with Our Signs and clear authority to Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They followed Pharaoh's command but Pharaoh's command was not rightly guided. (Surah Hud: 96-97)

We made them leaders, summoning to the Fire, and on the Day of Rising they will not be helped. We pursued them with a curse in this world and on the Day of Rising they will be hideous and spurned. (Surat al-Qasas: 41-42)

Those causing unrest and corruption in society are some of the people who hold power and wealth. This is expressed in a verse as follows:

When We desire to destroy a city, We send a command to the affluent in it and they become deviant in it and the Word is justly carried out against it and We annihilate it completely. (Surat al-Isra': 16)

And Thus have We placed leaders in every town, its wicked men, to plot in it. They plot against themselves alone, but they are not aware of it. (Surat al-An'am: 123)

When we talk about the leaders of a society, the first thing that occurs to our mind is the wealth they hold, and the power they wield through such wealth. These people, who maintain under their control some of the most important institutions that constitute the social structure of societies, can thus indoctrinate masses without difficulty and impose on them their life style and outlook which is far removed from Qur'anic values. Another method they use is to intimidate the good by way of their power. This trait in leaders is stated in the following verse:

No one had belief in Moses except for a few of his people out of fear that Pharaoh, and the elders, would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate. (Surah Yunus: 83)

The masterminds of this evil alliance and those directing it are actually those leaders who have influence over the masses. Coming together, these leaders ally against the good; and scheme to defeat them or to render them ineffective. In their endeavour, they receive help from those people sharing the same views. A story about Moses in the Qur'an provides examples: 

A man came running from the furthest part of the city, saying, 'Moses, the Council are conspiring to kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you good advice.' (Surat al-Qasas: 20)

So Pharaoh went away and concocted his scheme and then he arrived. (Surah Ta ha: 60)

As these verses also state, the leaders of the evil ones gather and take decisions against the good, and enhance their alliance by bringing together those whom they hope to use against the good. Throughout history, those following the evil alliance, either out of fear, timidity or by being impressed by its power, followed the leaders of the evil. For instance, those who were ruthless enough to massacre millions of innocent people under the command of leaders like the Pharaoh, Mao, Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot, or those who joined terrorist groups and killed people, would also maintain that they committed such acts because they feared the cruelty of their leaders or were impressed by their power. In this world, there may be some people who may be fooled by their insincere explanations. In the hereafter, however, these explanations will be rendered useless. Such is the ultimate end of the wicked and their leaders:

He (God) will say, 'Enter the Fire together with the nations of jinn and men who have passed away before you.' Each time a nation enters, it will curse its sister nation, until, when they are all gathered together in it, the last of them will say to the first, 'Our Lord, those are the ones who misguided us, so give them a double punishment in the Fire.' He will say, 'Each will receive double. But you do not know it.' The first of them will say to the last, 'You are in no way superior to us so taste the punishment for what you earned.' As for those who deny Our Signs and are arrogant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will not be opened for them, and they will not enter the Garden until a camel goes through a needle's eye. That is how We repay the evildoers. (Surat al-A'raf: 38-40)

However, the power held by the leaders of the disbelievers would then bring neither benefit nor harm to them or the people following them. The possessor of all might and property is our Lord, God. No one can do any good or any harm to another person unless by the Will of God. Throughout history, believers having faith in this truth remained neither under the influence of Pharaoh, nor Nimrod, nor any other evil leader. Fearing God alone, they always sought God's good pleasure and firmly guarded against evil. For instance, in the Qur'an God informs us that the majority of the people of Moses feared the cruelty of the Pharaoh and his immediate circle, and hence, did not submit to the right path. Only a few young people took sides with Moses. Similarly, the magicians assigned by Pharaoh to hatch a plot against the prophet Moses (as) saw the truth and immediately followed him. Pharaoh's threats did not alter the belief of these brave and faithful followers. The good conduct of the magicians is told in the Qur'an:

The magicians threw themselves down in prostration. They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' Pharaoh said, 'Have you believed in him before I authorised you to do so? This is just some plot you have concocted in the city to drive its people from it. I will cut off your alternate hands and feet and then I will crucify every one of you.' They said, 'We are returning to our Lord. You are only avenging yourself on us because we believed in our Lord's Signs when they came to us. Our Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us and take us back to You as Muslims.' (Surat al-A'raf: 120-126)

As these verses make clear, no condition, threat, or attack, can hinder the alliance of those who are sincere and conscientious. In the same way as the wicked have leaders luring them to wickedness, insolence, and ultimately to hell, so the good have people guiding them to the truth, to the good pleasure of God, and God's compassion and Paradise. Some verses make mention of those who summon people to goodness:

And in addition to that We gave him Isaac and Jacob and made both of them righteous men. We made them leaders, guiding by Our command, and revealed to them how to do good actions and establish prayer and pay alms, and they worshipped Us. (Surat al-Anbiya': 72-73)

We appointed leaders from among them, guiding by Our command when they were steadfast and when they had certainty about Our Signs. (Surat as-Sajda: 24)

These were the righteous people who throughout their lives summoned mankind to faith and the right path of God.

THE INTRICACIES OF THE EVIL'S ALLIANCE

As stressed throughout the book, that the evil ally themselves against the good to render them ineffective, and that they will strive to do harm to them, is a fact proclaimed in the Qur'an. God has made clear in several verses that people complying with the call of Satan will expend great effort to hinder people from living by the principles of the Qur'an. That is the reason why the good must always be alert and cautious of evil, and interpret all that happens around them in the light of the Qur'an.

However, we must not forget that everything occurs within the destiny ordained by God, and that nothing happens by coincidence. There is a good and a divine purpose in such an alliance formed against sincere and conscientious people. God will reveal the good and purpose in such evil plans when He wills; either in this world or the hereafter. Accordingly, believers must remember that "…God will not give the disbeliever any way against the believer." (Surat an-Nisa':14). It is confirmed in other verses that God will help His good servants:

Those who were expelled from their homes without any right, merely for saying, 'Our Lord is God'. If God had not driven some people back by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where God's name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and destroyed. God will certainly help those who help Him -God is All-Strong, Almighty; Those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will establish salat (regular prayer) and pay zakat (regular charity), and command what is right and forbid what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with God. (Surat al-Hajj: 40-41)

Though we must bear in mind that the activities carried out by the collaboration of the wicked are complex, the fact remains that a person who interprets the world according to the Qur'an will have no difficulty in recognising these intricacies, and grasp that many of the events he once took for granted are in reality part of a plan implemented by the wicked.

In the following pages, a number of examples of the devious and subtle approaches of the alliance of the evil will be provided. The purpose here is to help the sincere servants of God to recognise the evil around them and to show them a way out.

The Evil Try to Harm the Good by Speaking Out Against Them

The most apparent trait of an insincere and devious person is his presenting of himself as a totally different person. He seems to oppose immorality, rebellion, disloyalty, prostitution, and similar forms of wickedness, while he himself lives a despicable life. Typically, such a person, would one day act as a fervent advocator of religious values, and another as a guardian of chastity, who sternly condemns others for their immoral conduct. As if he were the most honest or sincere person on earth, he would criticise the deceitful conduct of others, even as far as saying he is astounded by such immoral conduct and condemn it. Those who are unable to consider such things carefully and who readily accept anything they hear and see, are likely to be deceived by the type of person who feigns "innocence and goodness".

These "phony righteous" people see themselves as the ones who "put society aright". However, they are the real perverted ones who encourage people into immorality. God informs us about the state of these people as follows:

When they are told, 'Do not cause corruption on the earth,' they say, 'We are only putting things right.' No indeed! They are the corrupters, but they are not aware of it. (Surat al-Baqara: 11-12)

How will it be when a disaster strikes them because of what they have done, and then they come to you swearing by God: 'We desired nothing but good and reconciliation'? (Surat an-Nisa': 62)

Another tactic employed by the evil to present themselves as good, virtuous, honest and sympathetic, is to speak ill of the truly good. While they chastise them, they also claim especially that they merely want to protect the public from the "evil" of such people. The Pharaoh is the most glaring example, and one who went down in history for this very aspect. The Pharaoh was a cruel, aggressive, vulgar, merciless, arrogant person who subjected his people to unbearable punishment and denied the existence of God. He strove to provoke his people against Moses, by showing him to be evil, and portraying himself as a person of "good intentions". This deceptive ploy of Pharaoh is mentioned in the Qur'an as follows:

Pharaoh said, 'Let me kill Moses and let him call upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change your religion and bring about corruption in the land.' (Surah Ghafir: 26)

They said, 'These two magicians desire by their magic to expel you from your land and abolish your most excellent way of life, so decide on your scheme and then arrive together in force. He who gains the upper hand today will definitely prosper.' (Surah Ta ha: 63-64)

As stated in the above verses, Pharaoh attempted to make the prophet Moses (as) appear guilty in the eyes of the public, while assuming the role of a saviour and a self sacrificing person who cares for his subjects. Most likely, those people who did not act wisely, and who were not guided by their conscience, were deceived by the lies of the Pharaoh and sided with him. However, the truth is evident today; both who were the evil and who were the good of that time are now known to us. What is more important is that, God knows and sees everything. In the Hereafter, God's justice will prevail and the true good and evil will be apparent. Pharaoh hatched a plot against Moses but faced great disappointment both in this world and beyond. By the same token, those striving to show the good ones as evil, the trustworthy ones as traitors, and the loyal ones as liars, today have already committed themselves to a similar end, unless they repent and cease their evil ways. As God's messenger (peace be upon him) also said "Accursed is he who harms a believer, or acts deceitfully towards him."2
 
We must also bear in mind that, no matter how they much strive to the contrary, the wicked ones cannot lure God's devoted servants to their side, nor make them resemble themselves. That is because, good and righteous people are far from what the evil say:

Corrupt women are for corrupt men and corrupt men are for corrupt women, good women are for good men and good men are for good women. The latter are innocent of what they say. They will have forgiveness and generous provision. (Surat an-Nur: 26)

For this reason, the evil, although greater in number, are always much weaker than the good. Being well aware that by nature believers are good and tender-hearted people, they can resort only to"slander". To this end, they exploit every possible opportunity.

As the Qur'an informs, throughout history, good and sincere people were blamed of sorcery, lying, opportunism, perversion, and subjected to various other forms of slander. That is why, in no period of history, believers who became the object of such slanderous accusations, were neither surprised nor upset. On the contrary, experiencing these events which also befell the prophets and true believers add to their zeal.
In the case of the Prophet Joseph (as), for instance, both his brothers and the wife of the master who adopted him plotted against him. However, there is a time, in absolutely certainty, when this plotting and slandering against believers will be punished. The slander made against Joseph by his brothers was the following:

They said, 'If he steals now, his brother stole before.' But Joseph kept it to himself and still did not disclose it to them, saying, 'The plight that you are in is worse than that. God knows best the matter you describe.' (Surah Yusuf: 77)

Those who raised false charges of adultery against Mary, and the honourable wife of our Prophet, and the ones who blamed other prophets with perversion and sorcery, all shared the same attitude. They knew without a doubt that the blessed people, who exhibited moral perfection throughout their lives, were far too virtuous and noble to commit any of these supposed misdeeds. However, only to degrade these noble people in the eyes of the public, and to shatter the trust and commitment people placed in these true believers, they resorted to such lowly forms of slander. Some of the words disbelievers uttered according to this rationale are mentioned in the Qur'an as follows:

They are surprised that a warner should come to them from among themselves. The disbelievers say, 'This is a lying magician. Has he turned all the gods into One God? That is truly astonishing!' Their leaders went off saying, 'Carry on as you are! Hold fast to your gods. This is clearly something planned. We have not heard of this in the old religion. This is merely something contrived. Has the Reminder been sent down to him out of all of us?' They are in doubt about My Reminder. They have yet to taste My punishment. (Surah Sad: 4-8)

The ruling circle of his people said, 'We see you in flagrant error.' (Surat al-A'raf: 60)

However, these plots failed and ultimately back-fired. Believers, on the contrary, were publicly cleared of every accusation, and, as always, bore themselves with dignity. Prophet Joseph (as), who was charged with theft, for instance, was so evidently trustworthy that the King entrusted Egypt's entire stores to him. People spoke against Mary, accusing her of being unchaste, although she has been preferred over all women.

Prophet Joseph (as) also became the subject of a similar slander, despite the fact that he was a noble person, who meticulously observed God's limits. God informs us in the Qur'an that in the afterlife the accusers will be punished for what they have done to the believers:

Those who have brought up such slander form a clique among you. Do not suppose it to be bad for you; rather it is good for you. Every one of them will incur the evil he has earned and whoever has assumed his leadership over them (through such gossiping) will have serious torment. (Surat an-Nur: 11)

And so that He might punish hypocritical men and women as well as associating men and women - those who think bad thoughts about God. They will suffer an evil turn of fate. God is angry with them, and has cursed them and prepared Hell for them. What an evil destination! (Surat al-Fath: 6) 

The Wicked Employ All Their Resources Against the Good

Among the most recognised characteristics of disbelievers are greed and selfishness. Particularly, they avoid spending their money for a good cause. They are often reluctant to give away even a portion of their money and property to earn the good pleasure of God. However, when they are called to evil, they never avoid spending of what they have. Furthermore, each group within the alliance of evil competes with the others in inflicting the most harm on the good. They motivate those who may be slow or perhaps hesitant in hatching plots against the good, and make sure they spend as much energy as possible towards this cause.

These people, who never attempt to engage in anything good, strive to their utmost when it comes to something bad. God informs us in the following verse that they do not hesitate to spend their wealth for evil:

Those who are disbelieving spend their wealth barring access to the Way of God. They will spend it; then they will regret it; then they will be overthrown. Those who are disbelieving will be gathered into Hell. (Surat al-Anfal: 36) 

They Threaten the Good and Try To Intimidate Them

The evil alliance resort to threat and intimidation against the righteous, and thus, by frightening them, try to lead them astray of the right way. This method, frequently used against the good in the past, is being used likewise in our day. The most threatening alliance of evil known in history was established by Pharaoh and his immediate circle, of which we mentioned in previous sections. Pharaoh threatened the Prophet Moses (as) and his followers with torture and execution. Pharaoh's cruelty is referred to in the verses that follow:

Pharaoh said, 'Have you had belief in him before I authorised you to do so? This is just some plot you have concocted in the city to drive its people from it. I will cut off your alternate hands and feet and then I will crucify every one of you.' (Surat al-A'raf: 123-124)

From the Qur'an we learn that, apart from death, believers were also threatened by the evil alliance with exile and loss of their property:

They were very near to scaring you from the land with the object of expelling you from it. But had they done so they would only have remained there a short time after you. (Surat al-Isra': 76)

Do not lie in wait on every pathway, threatening people, barring those who believe from the Way of God, desiring to make it crooked. Remember when you were few and He increased your number: see the final fate of the corrupters! (Surat al-A'raf: 86)

The ruling circle of those of his people who were arrogant said, 'We will drive you out of our city, Shu'ayb, you and those who believe along with you, unless you return to our religion.' He (Shu'ayb) said, 'What, even though we detest it? (Surat al-A'raf: 88)

Disbelievers sometimes employ covert forms of threat. The tone of their speech sounds as if they are concerned with the good, safety and well-being of the good. They strongly advise the good not to collaborate with believers, and stress that that they say so to ensure their safety and well-being, and that otherwise, they will have to suffer the dire consequences. With this approach, they hope to imply that everyone who sides with the believers and supports them will get into trouble, undergo great tribulation, and suffer much loss. In addition, as a warning to others, they punish a few of the good through their various methods and broadcast their menacing message. On the other hand, they will never neglect to give promises to them to provide all forms of support and protection, on the condition of breaking with the good. The leaders of the Prophet Shu'ayb's (as) people also covertly threatened the followers of Shu'ayb:

The ruling circle of those of his people who were disbelieving said, 'If you follow Shu'ayb, you will definitely be lost.' (Surat al-A'raf: 90)

The true good, patient, brave and resistant believers, who were committed to their cause and harboured only the fear of God in their hearts, guarded against evil and ignored such threats. None of the threats or pressure employed by the disbelievers changed their attitude; they proceeded on the right way as commanded by God. The answer the Prophet Shu'ayb (as) gave to his people who had threatened him, and the words of magicians to the Pharaoh, are telling examples:

We would be inventing lies against God if we returned to your religion after God has saved us from it. We could never return to it unless God our Lord so willed. Our Lord encompasses everything in His knowledge. We have put our trust in God. Our Lord, judge between us and our people with truth. You are the best of judges.' (Surat al-A'raf: 89)

They said, 'We are returning to our Lord. You are only avenging yourself on us because we believed in our Lord's Signs when they came to us. Our Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us and take us back to You as Muslims.' (Surat al-A'raf: 125-126)

The Evil Try to Humiliate the Good Before the Eyes of People

Mocking believers and speaking ill of them are some of the methods adopted by the wicked against the righteous, in an attempt to humiliate believers and make them seem insignificant and worthless in the eyes of others. Their purpose in this case is to eradicate the good, to hinder the spread of moral values based on the teachings of the Qur'an, and prevent people from following their way.

The truly good, conscientious and sincere, also invite their fellow men to live by the same conscientiousness and sincerity. They are highly committed to communicating to them the blessings of Qur'anic morals, the reality of the Day of Judgement and the hereafter, and the importance of having fear for God. Their sincerity usually makes a positive impression on the majority of people, fostering faith in God, good morals, righteousness, blessings, conscientiousness, loyalty, support, respect and love. Those harbouring enmity towards one another or otherwise dissidenting people unite, thanks to the positive influence effected by the good.

No doubt, such improvements to society are not in accordance with the plan of the evil, the envious and those indulging in immorality. In order to reverse these positive effects, the evil mock the good, accuse them of insanity, shallow-mindedness, bigotry, deceit, imposture, the intention being to bring them into disrepute. They think the views and efforts of a person who is portrayed as insane or as a forger could no longer win people's respect. This is a tactic which has been employed for thousands of years by deceitful and devious people, all disbelievers and hypocrites, but which has never attained success.

History abounds with the stories of prophets, the followers of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Islamic scholars and true Muslims, who struggled for the good of humanity and the improvement of morality, and who constantly met insults and mockery. The insults and mockery only revealed the true hatred and jealousy the wicked felt for the good. God informs us that what they hide in their hearts is far worse than what they say:

You who believe! Do not take any outside yourselves as intimates. They will do anything to harm you. They love what causes you distress. Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but what their breasts hide is far worse. We have made the Signs clear to you if you use your intellect. (Surah Ali 'Imran: 118)

As mentioned earlier, the underlying reason for the aggressive attitude and hatred felt by the wicked towards the good, is their not adhering to the wishes of the immoral and unscrupulous people who do not observe God's limits, and their considering God's commands and prohibitions over and above their own desires. Meeting a conscientious Muslim, who guards against evil and does not follow his ego (an-nafs), such people adopt an aggressive attitude and attempt to hurt him both physically and verbally.

One of the terms most frequently used by the evil in their attack on the good is that of "insanity". As is stated in the Qur'an, many true servants of God were accused of being insane. No doubt, the accusers were very well aware that these people were by no means lacking in reason. On the contrary, they knew very well that everyone of them was a highly intelligent person with high morals. Yet, as mentioned earlier, the intention of the accusers is to shatter the credibility of the good in the eyes of society. The Qur'an also informs us that throughout history, the prophets and the righteous have been accused of insanity:

'He is nothing but a man possessed so wait a while and see what happens to him.' He (Noah) said, 'My Lord, help me because of their calling me a liar!' (Surat al-Muminun: 25-26)

The ruling circle of those of his people who were disbelieving said, 'We consider you a fool and think you are a liar.' He (Hud) said, 'My people, I am by no means a fool, but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of all the worlds, transmitting my Lord's Message to you, and I am a faithful counsellor to you.' (Surat al-A'raf: 66-68)

Other offensive methods disbelievers employ to humiliate the good is to insult them and call them and their associates foolish, weak and shallow-minded, so as to portray them as ordinary, simple and even unimportant. These words, repeated by the evil throughout history, are related in the verses of the Qur'an. Some of those are as follows:

When they are told, 'Believe in the way that the people believe, 'they say, 'What! Are we to believe in the way that fools believe?' No indeed! They are the fools, but they do not know it. (Surat al-Baqara: 13)

The ruling circle of those of his people who were disbelieving said, 'We do not see you as anything but a human being like ourselves. We do not see anyone following you but the lowest of us, unthinkingly. We do not see you as superior to us. On the contrary, we consider you to be liars.' (Surah Hud: 27)

They said, 'Shu'ayb, We do not understand much of what you say and we see you are weak among us. Were it not for your clan, we would have stoned you. We do not hold you in high esteem!' (Surah Hud: 91)

Wicked people are innately prone to using derision and sarcasm against the good. In this regard, both the good and sincere themselves, and the values they advocate, become the target of their derision. From the Qur'an, we learn that derision was something all the messengers encountered. This is the reason why a believer subjected to mockery knows it is something to endure with patience, following the example of the messengers of God, and hopes that it increases his reward in the hereafter. He is sure of one thing; that the mockery will ultimately overcome the one who ridicules, and that he will some day greatly regret what he had done.

Messengers before you were also mocked, but those who jeered were engulfed by what they mocked. (Surat al-Anbiya': 41) 

They Strive to Spread Immorality and Diminish the Number of the Good 
 
One of the hopes of the leaders of evil is to lead a carefree and indulgent life, for which they will not have to give account, and so not have to observe any limits. As we have discussed earlier, in doing so, they do not confess their real intentions, but instead employ deceitful methods to cover their aims.

Firstly, they associate themselves with a group that consists of people who respect no principles, who do not feel any shame, who openly perpetrate immoral acts and use vulgar language. These are the types of people who indulge in all forms of depravity, like homosexuality, prostitution, drugs or gambling. Nevertheless, regardless of their characteristics, some of them have earned positions of respect in society. They are often famous, or known as intellectuals or recognised for other talents. This being the case, their indulgence in immorality is regarded by the rest of society as acceptable. While otherwise socially inadmissible, contemptible and despicable manners and behaviour somehow become tolerated in society when they are associated with such people. The immoral behaviour exemplified by them becomes a defining feature of what is considered "bravery, modernity, freedom and intellectualism." This not being sufficient, these people are also presented as role models, especially to the young, as if they are living a good life. Ultimately, society abounds with those who imitate these people. Their clothing styles, make-up, their manner of speaking, the way they deal with people, and even their preferences in home decoration or social relations, are adopted by their followers. In this way, within a very short period of time the majority of the society is lured into this form of degeneracy.

This process develops so rapidly that manners and conduct one would not dare to consider or even to utter, in just a few years suddenly become socially acceptable. For instance, attitudes towards homosexuality, once a highly scorned and denounced practice, have changed dramatically in some social circles. It is no longer regarded as unusual to make close friends with homosexuals. Surely there exists an alliance somewhere that promotes this gradual transformation of social norms, by way of taking people within its sphere influence, through its concealed methods and organisations. It is the alliance of the evil.

Each and every member of this alliance, intentionally or otherwise, contributes to this degenerate propaganda, and supports its spread until the ultimate goal is finally attained. Considering the modern society of today, it would not be an exaggeration to say that certain fashion designers, film producers, song-writers, journalists, authors, movie directors, night club owners, etc. are involved in this alliance. (No need to say that there are always exceptions, with those who do not serve the purposes of this insidious alliance, and who remain conscientious and ally themselves with the good.)

Committed to spread wickedness in all domains of life, and to attract greater numbers of adherents to their alliance, the evil ones endeavour to keep the number of the good to the bare minimum. Yet, the fact remains that such efforts merely elevate the status of the good and increase the torment of the evil. God reveals this fact in His verses:

People who love to see filth being spread about concerning those who believe will have a painful punishment both in the world and the hereafter. God knows and you do not know. (Surat an-Nur: 19)

They would not restrain one another from any of the wrong things that they did. How evil were the things they used to do! You see many of them taking those who disbelieve as their friends. What their lower selves have advanced for them is evil indeed, bringing God's anger down upon them. They will suffer punishment timelessly, for ever. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 79-80)

They Try to Make People Believe They are Right 

As stressed throughout this book, today, the evil represent the majority in society, as it had also been in the past. Their narrow outlook makes them see this as a factor that makes them superior over the good. Being the majority misleads them into thinking they are more powerful. They assume that the attracting of many adherents proves their correctness. A person that had been misled in this manner was the Pharaoh. This false assumption of his is related in the following verses:

Pharaoh sent marshals into the cities: 'These people are a small group and we find them irritating and we constitute a vigilant majority.' We expelled them from gardens and springs, from treasures and a splendid situation. (Surat ash-Shu'ara': 53-58)

However the vanquishers were not the armies and the Pharaoh but the Prophet Moses (as) and his followers, who were driven out of their land, and who were oppressed and despised because they were in the minority.
Essentially, that those under the command of Pharaoh represented the majority by no means proved their rightness. From the Qur'an we learn that the majority put their faith not in what is right, but in what misleads one from the right path. Also, we learn that they are liars:

If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would misguide you from God's Way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They do nothing but lie. (Surat al-An'am: 116)

Moreover, the good, even if they are the minority, will always prevail over the evil ones, though they outnumber the good. God gives glad tidings of this in this verse:

'How many a small force has triumphed over a much greater one by God's permission! God is with the steadfast. (Surat al-Baqara: 249)

Ultimately, it is a fallacy and misconception when some put forward various excuses to the good saying, "but these are the beliefs, moral values and the life-style maintained by the majority". Therefore, we must keep in mind that adhering to the path the majority follow is not necessarily the safest way, since, as also stressed in the verses above, it is nothing but a grand delusion.

The Evil Make Provocations Against the Good

Another feature of the alliance of the evil is their provocations against the good. The evil provoke others against the good through their works, by inventing stories, spreading rumours, through slander, false and ridiculous analogies or gossip. In the Qur'an, it is stated that it was the leaders of the people of Pharaoh who assumed a provocative approach:

The ruling circle of Pharaoh's people said, 'Are you going to leave Moses and his people to cause corruption in the earth (Egypt) and abandon you and your gods?' He (Pharaoh) said, 'We will kill their sons and let their women live. We have absolute power over them!'

Moses said to his people, 'Seek help in God and be steadfast. The earth belongs to God. He bequeaths it to any of His servants He wills. The successful outcome is for those who have fear of God.' (Surat al-A'raf: 127-128)

As these verses suggest, at the time when Pharaoh almost allowed Moses and his adherents to leave, the leaders tried to change his mind by making up lies and unfounded slanders about Moses to provoke the Pharaoh into oppressing the prophet and his followers. As is evident in this example, the alliance of the evil always focuses its efforts on inciting the evil against the good.

God, in the Qur'an, relates the following about such people who spread rumours about the good:

If the hypocrites and those with sickness in their hearts and the rumour-mongers in Madina do not desist, We will set you onto them. Then they can only be your neighbours there a very short time. (Surat al-Ahzab: 60)

Another method the evil have employed for thousands of years to such an end has been to coax the good into a conflict against their brothers and friends. All civil wars, conflicts and senseless enmities that have come about in history, originated from the all-out efforts of the evil. As a result of the enmity stirred up by the provocation of the evil, fellow citizens, even close friends and brothers, struggled against each other, and tortured and killed one another.

Also, in our day, through publications, speeches, lobbying and diplomacy, such people stealthily manage to bring two countries into a war, or stir up enmity among a people by dividing a nation into factions. This is an evil scheme that turns brother against brother. The purpose is to weaken these countries by civil wars and internal conflict so as to reconcile the structure of the target countries to their own goals and ideologies.
Another method employed by the evil alliance against the good is, as mentioned in previous sections, to portray some of the good as wicked in the eyes of other good people. To this end, they initiate underhanded strategies, ranging from spreading unfounded accusations to outright insults, so as to make the disparaging message "Look! We have unmasked the good; as you see, they are not on the right way." The intention in this case is to prevent the good to come together, and to support and protect the oppressed.

However, people of conscience who are able to analyse these tactics, so as to recognise and avert the secret plans of the evil, thanks to their conscience and sound mind, will never be deceived by such tricks. God warns believers against the traits of the evil in many of His verses, for example:

You who believe! If a deviator brings you a report, scrutinize it carefully in case you attack people in ignorance and so come to greatly regret what you have done. (Surat al-Hujurat: 6)

God's Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), also said that "To harbour good thoughts (about a brother) is a part of well-conducted worship."3 , reminding Muslims to be on guard against the whisperings of Satan which tries to make mischief among the believers.

Consequently, you should keep in mind that, even if the alliance of the evil has provoked a whole city, or even the whole world against the good, God protects and guards the good. No plot of the evil can hurt the good, scare or worry them, unless by the Will of God.

Alliance of the Evil is Based on Interests

The leaders of the evil make promises to people and offer them certain privileges in order to attract them to their side. In the Qur'an, a promise given by Pharaoh to the magicians is related as follows:

When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Will we be rewarded if we are the winners?' He said, 'Yes, and in that case you will be among those brought near.' (Surat ash-Shu'ara': 41-42)

However we should also mention that the evil alliance is in reality based on a rather feeble foundation. Every member has certain stipulations or a price in mind in joining the alliance. If they feel their personal interests are at stake, they lose no time in breaking with the alliance. That is because this alliance is not established on just grounds, but on falsehood. Every individual who does not believe in God and the hereafter, who has no fear for God and does not guard against evil, is afflicted with certain weaknesses, which the leaders of the evil take advantage of in every way they can, and which they use to gain further supporters.

Also, in our day, promises of money, property, fame or status, are sufficient to convince most people to take action against the good. Accordingly, unless he has fear for God, a person who is offered such promises will readily become so cruel as to make up slanderous accusations or tell lies about an innocent and pure person whom he has never met.

Contrarily, those individuals who side with the good only seek the mercy, consent and paradise of God. This alliance is formed according to the one and only just path of God, and those who are truly good never demand a "price". No worldly gain can divert them from doing what is right. In this regard, believers are following the messengers' examples. In the Qur'an, the messengers addressed their people as follows:

My people! I do not ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of Him who brought me into being. So will you not use your intellect? (Surah Hud: 51)

The Two-faced Members of the Evil Alliance: Hypocrites

The most errant and troublesome members of the evil alliance are the hypocrites. Hypocrites are those insincere people who dubiously present themselves as the allies of the good. From the Qur'an, we know that these people conduct themselves as believers outwardly, though they actually keep company with the evil. These people feign forthrightness and honesty while they are among the good, but in privacy, or once they return to their real allies, they disclose their true wicked intentions. God reveals this trait of the hypocrites in the Qur'an as follows:

They have the word, 'Obedience!' on their tongues but when they leave your presence, a group of them spend the night plotting to do other than what you say. God is recording their nocturnal plotting. So let them be and put your trust in God. God suffices as a Guardian. (Surat an-Nisa': 81)

When they meet those who believe, they say, 'We believe.' But then when they go apart with their satans, they say, 'We are really with you. We were only mocking.' But God is mocking them, and drawing them on, as they wander blindly in their excessive insolence. (Surat al-Baqara: 14-15)

There are two main reasons why hypocrites associate themselves with the good despite the fact that they are inwardly wicked. First, they want to spy on the good for the evil. Secondly, they endeavour to stir unrest and carry out mischief among the good, and provoke the wicked against the good. These devious aims of the hypocrites are related in several of the verses:

If they had gone out among you, they would have added nothing to you but confusion. They would have scurried about amongst you seeking to cause conflict between you, and among you there are some who would have listened to them. God knows the wrongdoers. (Surat at-Tawba: 47)

O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who rush headlong into disbelief among those who say 'We believe' with their tongues when their hearts contain no belief. And among the Jews are those who listen to lies, listening to other people who have not come to you, distorting words from their proper meanings, saying, 'If you are given this, then take it. If you are not given it, then beware!' If God desires misguidance for someone, you cannot help him against God in any way. Those are the people whose hearts God does not want to purify. They will have disgrace in the world and in the hereafter they will have a terrible punishment. (Surah al-Ma'ida: 41)

The character of the hypocrites and their end is also referred to in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

On the Day of Resurrection, the one in the vilest of conditions will be a two-faced person. He says one thing (in favour) of one person and then another thing (in regard to the same affair) to another person. 4
 
We should still remember that, although these people seem to attain their goal in the short term, God definitely renders their striving futile and inflicts indefinable suffering on them both in this world and beyond.

In Secret Meetings They Take Action Against the Good

The alliance of evil generally prefers night as the opportune time to plot against the good. This is stated in many verses in the Qur'an. That night is the time for the wicked to congregate and implement their evil plans is stated in the verses as follows:

They try to conceal themselves from people, but they cannot conceal themselves from God. He is with them when they spend the night saying things which are not pleasing to Him. God encompasses everything they do. (Surat an-Nisa': 108)

Arrogant towards it (the Qur'an), talking arrant nonsense all night long. (Surat al-Muminun: 67)

In Surat an-Naml, God informs us about an event in the past, where a gang of nine men who committed mischief in a city where believers lived, and who at night would scheme in secret to attack them. The relevant verses are the following:

There was a group of nine men in the city causing corruption in the land and not putting things right. They said, 'Let us make an oath to one another by God that we will fall on him and his family in the night and then say to his protector, "We did not witness the destruction of his family and we are telling the truth."' (Surat an-Naml: 48-49)

As the verses reveal, these people devised secretive and malicious plans against believers but in return were confronted by the plot God prescribed for them. The end of those who harm the innocent and plot against them at night is stated in the following section of the same verses:

They hatched a plot and We hatched a plot while they were not aware. So look at the end result of all their plotting; We utterly destroyed them and their whole people! These are the ruins of their houses because of the wrong they did. There is certainly a Sign in that for people with knowledge. (Surat an-Naml: 50-52)

Another trait of the oppressors who focus all their efforts to harm the good and cause trouble for them, is their devising of plans secretly God states this in many verses:

Moses said to them, 'Woe to you! Do not fabricate lies against God or He will annihilate you with His punishment. Fabricators of lies are bound to fail.' They argued among themselves about the matter and had a secret conference. (Surah Ta Ha: 61-62)

There is no good in much of their secret talk, except in the case of those who enjoin charity, or what is right, or putting things right between people. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of God, We will give him an immense reward. (Surat an-Nisa': 114)

We know how they listen when they listen to you, and when they confer together secretly, and when the wrongdoers say, 'You are only following a man who is bewitched!' (Surat al-Isra': 47)

These people with no faith in God, nor the mental faculties to grasp His power, talk freely among themselves, assuming that nobody hears them while they talk nonsense in the dark, or while they conceive plots against the good. However, they are wrong. Actually, they can hide their secret and evil plans or talks from people, but God knows, sees and hears every sentence, every word, every detail of their plotting, even the very inner thoughts a person keeps to himself. They believe their devious plans will never come to light and that their victims will never be able to save themselves. Nevertheless, God thwarts their plans even before they are hatched, and hears every word they speak. No matter where they hide or how elaborate are the precautions they take, they can never evade God. Every word one says and every inner thought one may have is kept in the sight of God, and will be presented to him on the Day of Judgement. As such, those plotting against the good will also have to give account of their secretive plans. Therefore, those who hatch insidious plots at night in their secret meetings should keep in mind that God hears and sees everything. In one verse, God says:

Do you not see that God knows what is in the heavens and on the earth? Three men cannot confer together secretly without Him being the fourth of them, or five without Him being the sixth of them, or fewer than that or more without Him being with them wherever they are. Then He will inform them on the Day of Rising of what they did. God has knowledge of all things. (Surat al-Mujadila: 7) 

The Alliance of the Evil Today Has Intensified Its Efforts 

Throughout this book, we mentioned that the evil unite to eradicate religion and believers, and resort to numerous forms of oppression and pressure tactics to this end. The existence of people of faith is the main reason why the evil unite, because a believer is the representative of Islam, God's true religion, and the guarantee of implementation of the moral values of the Qur'an on earth. For the evil, the threat of such a possibility requires the immediate removal of believers. What hinders the evil ones from living by their system of unbelief and of evil morals are the limits set by God and the moral principles prescribed by His religion. It is to remove these hindrances that the disbelievers are so strongly committed to co-operating with one another. Wherever there is prostitution, bribery, imposture, gambling, swindling, cruelty to orphans and the poor, extravagance, lack of love and respect, immorality, there is the evil alliance.

We are living in a period when the alliance of the evil has intensified their efforts, and believers, along with the innocent, poor and weak people, in all corners of the world, have been subjected to more oppression and suffering than ever before. It is essential that believers assess this reality according to the guidance of the Qur'an. According to the Qur'an, turning a blind eye to the ongoing cruelty, not engaging in an ideological struggle against the evil, watching everything silently and remaining inconsiderate towards the ongoing suffering in the world, is great oppression in itself. Keeping silent about the repression and cruelty inflicted on the Muslims and people striving to spread the morals of the Qur'an, makes one a silent member of the cruel alliance, or worse still, a participator in it.

Glancing through newspapers or magazines should suffice to see the rapaciousness of this alliance. For instance, 10-15 years ago, homosexuality was accepted as completely unacceptable and was severely condemned. However, this fact has dramatically changed today, giving way to an actual advocacy of the rights of homosexuals, as far as presenting this perversion as modern and a normal and "personal preference". This outlook is propagated by the popular media and the entertainment world. The public's inculcation into similar immoral trends as perfectly acceptable "preferences", thus laying the groundwork for their further diffusion throughout society, is merely a consequence of the evil plans orchestrated by the alliance of the evil.
In this time, when gambling, prostitution, and murder evoke little reaction, it is essential that people wake-up to reality. This is a time when the good, who are already deprived of their essential rights and freedoms, are oppressed and unjustly treated, whereas swindlers, murderers and tyrants have the freedom to do what they want. If innocent and defenceless people are murdered all around the world, merely because they have faith in God and because they say they are Muslims, and again, if those who call themselves "Muslim" can remain ambivalent to all this suffering, and dares to refer to it with a smile on his face, then this is the work of the alliance of the evil. Restoring peace and securing welfare, happiness, justice, tolerance, love and respect in the world is only possible through recognition and adherence to the values of the Qur'an. It is the believers who are the living examples of this good character, and it will be the alliance of the good that will ensure the prevalance of the values of the Qur'an; this is the definite promise of God.

God has promised those of you who believe and do right actions that He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them successors, and will firmly establish for them their religion with which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security. 'They worship Me, not associating anything with Me.' Any who are disbelieving after that, such people are deviators. (Surat an-Nur: 55)

THE EVIL'S GREATEST FEAR:THE ALLIANCE OF THE GOOD

The previous sections of this book stressed the fact that since time immemorial, the evil have been the perpetrators of mischief on earth, have oppressed people, and brought about unrest, insecurity, conflicts and enmity. It is also stressed that the evil have established a strong union to root evil in society. However, it would be a rather pessimistic and negative approach to assume that there is nothing that can be done to change this dismal reality.

A person who adheres to the Qur'an and lives by it does not succumb to such hopelessness, and under no circumstance does he turn a blind eye to the wrongs around him. A conscientious and thoughtful Muslim strives to save not only those around him, but the society he lives in, and even the rest of humanity, from violence, conflict, war, immorality and mischief in general. It is clear that sincerity, conscience, honesty, compassion, love and respect, will eradicate immorality and all wickedness. In other words, the unity and co-operation of the good will defeat the alliance of the evil. In a verse of the Qur'an, God gives glad tidings regarding this fact:

Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through it and it vanishes clean away! Woe without end for you for what you portray! (Surat al-Anbiya': 18)

Therefore, aside from exposing the true threat the alliance of evil poses to humanity, most beneficial would be the conscientious and sincere coming together against the evil, to support one another and protect the poor and those who are oppressed. This is the approach adopted by those striving to attain the good pleasure of God, and is highly praised in the Qur'an;

...Those who believe in him and honour him and help him, and follow the light that has been sent down with him, they are the ones who are successful.' (Surat al-A'raf: 157)

In the above verse, God commands believers to support, help and defend His messengers. In a similar manner, believers should also support and defend one another.

The Believers are the Guardians of One Another

There are several verses in the Qur'an that relate to us of believers as the guardians of one another. The following is one of them:

And (as for) the believing men and the believing women, they are guardians of each other. They command what is right and forbid what is wrong, and establish prayer and pay alms, and obey God and His Messenger. They are the people on whom God will have mercy. God is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat at-Tawba: 71)

The word "guardian" means intimate, protector, helper and supporter. In this sense, believers, honest, sincere and conscientious people with high moral values, should support each other, and be helpers and protectors of one another. Our Beloved Prophet (pbuh) also stated this in his following saying:

A believer is a mirror to another believer. A believer is a brother to another believer. He saves him from losses. He safeguards his interests in his absence.5 

The stories related in the Qur'an about the prophets provide many examples about this practice. Moses, for instance, killed a man by mistake when he sided with a man who was in trouble. Then, he had to run away from the city to save himself from the cruelty of the Pharaoh and the leaders of the city. This is related in the verses as follows:

A man came running from the furthest part of the city, saying, 'Moses, the Council are conspiring to kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you good advice.' So he left there fearful and on his guard, saying, 'My Lord, rescue me from the people of the wrongdoers!' (Surat al-Qasas: 20-21)

The Prophet Moses (as) managed to leave the city through a man who helped him as a favour to him. He then reached a watering place in the land of Madyan and helped two women who kept back their flocks because they did not want to mix with the shepherds near the water. Upon their return home, the women mentioned to their father, the Prophet Shu'ayb (as), the help Moses had offered them. Upon this, Prophet Shu'ayb (as) invited prophet Moses to his home. This is revealed in the verses as follows:

One of them came walking shyly up to him and said, 'My father invites you so that he can pay you your wage for drawing water for us.' When he came to him and told him the whole story he said, 'Have no fear, you have escaped from wrongdoing people.' (Surat al-Qasas: 25)

Because Prophet Shu'ayb (as) recognized the inherent goodness and trustworthiness of the Prophet Moses (as), he helped him in his difficult time and allowed him to stay in his household and to work for him. Shu'ayb's manner sets an example for the good in protecting and guarding other good people who encounter hardship. Unless the good offer help and support to one another in times of adversity, then they will leave each another alone and unable to defend themselves against the cruel people. In a verse of the Qur'an, God commanded our Prophet (pbuh): "...take the believers who follow you under your wing" (Surat ash-Shu'ara': 215). Taking believers under one's wing, protecting them against dangers and difficulties is a command of our Lord, and also a Sunnah of our Prophet to follow.

The Good Should Avoid Bickering and Unite

Unity, cooperation, solidarity, friendship, self-sacrifice, support, and similar other qualities are some of the beautiful attributes which are the underlying foundation of the Qur'anic morality. This is stated in many sayings of Our Prophet (pbuh). One of them reads:

'Believers are like the different parts of a building, each one supporting the other.' Then he demonstrated what he meant by interlocking his fingers.6
 
The religion of Islam ensures the establishment of a better world where there is love, peace, tolerance and understanding to one another. Societies possessing these features experience rapid development and achieve greater power. Once unity and cooperation are attained, individuals of such a society could channel their strength and energy towards goodness and good deeds rather than into disputes, fights, conflicts and wars. Essentially, a cause to which people commit themselves and devote all their effort, power, zeal and support, both material and spiritual, results in an ultimate success and beauty. What is more important is that God gives glad tidings that individuals working in unity and solidarity for good will receive God's help, support and power. For this reason, God reminds believers not to dispute among themselves so as not to lose strength. The verse below makes this point clear:

Obey God and His Messenger and do not quarrel among yourselves lest you lose heart and your momentum disappear. And be steadfast. God is with the steadfast. (Surat al-Anfal: 46) 

Establishing unity among the righteous is an exalted virtue recommended by God. Especially in a time where evil has permeated every aspect of society, not a single evil feature like peevishness, resentment or bickering should be tolerated among the good. Putting forth effort to remove such evil influences and adopting a compromising and conciliatory attitude is a great act of worship

The believers are brothers, so make peace between your brothers and have fear of God so that hopefully you will gain mercy. (Surat al-Hujurat: 10)

Disputes, enmity, hatred and anger are the features of immoral conduct inspired by the evil. True Muslims never conduct themselves under the influence of these undesirable feelings; they have fear for God and are always modest, friendly, thoughtful and full of love in their relations. People who are not sincere in their cause may feel jealous of their closest friends and even of their own brothers and sisters. Each other's success may stir up feelings of envy in their hearts. On the contrary, a true Muslim takes pride in other believers' success, and is happy for them as if it were his own accomplishment, and feels grateful to God for the blessings He has granted believers. Furthermore, he supports them in their endeavour and offers guidance if necessary. Those lacking such morals, on the other hand, hamper the progress of others. Feelings of rivalry and jealousy spoil the good deeds engaged in to attain the good pleasure of God, and accordingly, ruins any beauty or blessings. God's Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), also drew attention to this point and advised the believers to guard against such bad manners:

Do not envy each other, do not bid against each other, do not hate each other, do not turn your backs on each other, and let none of you sell upon the sale of another. Be slaves of God, brothers. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim, he does not wrong him, fail to assist him, lie to him nor despise him.7
 
Said Nursi, also known as Bediuzzaman (the Wonder of the Age) who is one of the greatest Islamic scholars of the 20th century gives extensive reference to these issues in his Risale-i Nur collection, a commentary on the Qur'an. In the sincere style that is peculiar to him, Bediuzzaman relates that believers should strictly avoid corrupt feelings such as competitiveness when they strive for a common goal:

The service of the truth is like carrying and preserving a great and weighty treasure. Those who carry that trust on their shoulders will be happy and grateful whenever powerful hands rush to their aid. Far from being jealous, one should proudly applaud the superior strength, effectiveness and capacity of those who in upright love come forward to offer their help. Why then look on true brothers and self-sacrificing helpers in a spirit of rivalry, thus losing sincerity? You will be exposed to fearsome accusations in the eyes of the people of misguidance, such as pursuing worldly interest through religion, even though it is something a hundred times lower than you and your belief, earning your livelihood through the knowledge of truth and rivalling others in greed and acquisitiveness. The sole remedy for this disease is to accuse your own soul before others raise these charges, and always to take the side of your fellow, not your own soul.8 

As Bediuzzaman Said Nursi also states, offering one's service towards establishment of the moral values of the Qur'an can be seen as preserving a treasure for the believers; one that is extremely precious. To this invaluable service, everybody must provide his wholehearted support and help. Feeling jealous of another believer who offers his devoted and unwavering support, or considering him as a rival, is unacceptable for a true Muslim. A believer should be proud of others' commitment and provide his support.

Jealousy is an attribute of the evil alliance. The existence of such an evil trait among individuals collaborating for a righteous end does nothing but diminish the strength of the alliance. It is surely the evil alliance that benefits from such detriment. As Bediuzzaman says, the only cure for this illness is not following one's ego and always taking the side of one's fellow.

In the Risale-i Nur collection, Bediuzzaman draws a comparison between the machinery of a factory and believers. The harmonious and smooth functioning of this machinery is essential for a productive output. A similar harmony is also required in the co-operation among believers. Said Nursi explains that believers should avoid talk which could cause jealousy and bitterness as follows:

This is not to criticize your brothers who are employed in this service of the Qur'an, and not to excite their envy by displaying superior virtues. For just as one of man's hands cannot compete with the other, neither can one of his eyes criticize the other, nor his tongue object to his ear, nor his heart see his spirit's faults. Each of his members completes the deficiencies of the others, veils their faults, assists their needs, and helps them out in their duties. Otherwise man's life would be extinguished, his spirit flee, and his body be dispersed. Similarly, the components of machinery in a factory cannot compete with one another in rivalry, take precedence over each other, or dominate each other. They cannot spy out one another's faults and criticize each other, destroy the other's eagerness for work, and cause them to become idle. They rather assist each other's motions with all their capacity in order to achieve the common goal; they march towards the aim of their creation in true solidarity and unity. Should even the slightest aggression or desire to dominate interfere, it would throw the factory into confusion, causing it to be without product or result. Then the factory's owner would demolish the factory entirely. And so, O Risale-i Nur students and servants of the Qur'an! You and I are members of a collective personality such as that, worthy of the title of 'perfect man.' We are like the components of a factory's machinery which produces eternal happiness within eternal life. We are hands working on a dominical boat which will disembark the Community of Muhammed (PBUH) at the Realm of Peace, the shore of salvation. So we are surely in need of solidarity and true union, obtained through gaining sincerity -for the mystery of sincerity secures through four individuals the moral strength of one thousand one hundred and eleven- indeed, we are compelled to obtain it.9
 
As also exemplified here, just as how a factory ensures a timely and efficient output only when its machinery works in harmony and does not conflict with itself, so should believers working for a common goal to earn the good pleasure of God exhibit similar harmony. They should strive together without searching for one another's mistakes and defects. In a world where disbelievers ally themselves against the good, are filled with feelings of hatred and envy for the believers, and oppress the poor, the homeless, women, children, and the elderly, all these oppressed people hope for the help of the conscientious. In this case, if wise, sincere, conscientious and honest people use their powers against each other, they may be held accountable for this in the sight of God. It is essential that believers see no limits in improving their alliance, cooperation, friendship, solidarity and affection for another, and never fall into a disagreement which will weaken them. This spirit of believers is best stated in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

You will observe that the believers are like the parts of the body in relation to each other in matters of kindness, love and affection. When one part of the body is afflicted, the entire body feels it; there is loss of sleep and a fever develops.10 

The solidarity of the people, who purify themselves of every form of worldly ambition, jealousy and competitiveness, who channel every positive feeling, every effort, and every activity for the good of others, without making it a matter of personal pride, will break the resolve of the alliance of the evil.

Not Valuing The Words of the Evil

The ultimate aim of the evil is to stir up enmity among believers, to wreak their unity and weaken them. As the foregoing makes clear, they are known by their efforts in inventing lies and slandering the good, disgracing them and bringing doubt upon their credibility. However, the stance assumed by the good and conscientious will render such efforts of the slanderers and those committed to evil ineffective. That is because, the existence of people who do not take these slanders seriously, turn a deaf ear to them, and state they do not believe in them, will prevent any harm to the wronged and hinder the evil ones from attaining their mischievous goals.
Indeed, we know that the noble wife of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also became the target of such slanderous accusations. God informs us about the kind of attitude the conscientious people should assume when they hear such slander against a believer:

You were bandying it about on your tongues, your mouths uttering something about which you had no knowledge. You considered it to be a trivial matter, but, in God's sight, it is immense. Why, when you heard it, did you not say, 'We have no business speaking about this. Glory be to You! This is a terrible slander!'? (Surat an-Nur: 15-16)

It is certain that a non-God-fearing person, or someone who has no faith in God, will readily tell lies, concoct slanders, and spread rumours without considering the possible trouble he will inflict on people. That is why, it is unreasonable and wrong to trust people who have no fear in their hearts for God, who have weak religious values, and who thus assume that they will not have to give an account of their deeds in the hereafter. For the same reasons, it is wrong to respond to their accusations without first verifying their validity. In a verse, God explains what the approach of believers should be in such a situation:

You who believe! If a deviator brings you a report, scrutinize it carefully in case you attack people in ignorance and so come to greatly regret what you have done. (Surat al-Hujurat: 6)

An evil-doer is someone who rejects God's commandments. That is the reason why those who are conscientious and just should first investigate the information brought by such people before arriving to a decision.

The Good Only Seek the Good Pleasure of God

That evil, merciless and aggressive people represent the majority, or seem to possess great material wealth, may cause some spiritually weak and ignorant people to develop inaccurate interpretations about them. These people may exaggerate their power and attach more importance to them than they actually deserve. However, the power of people who are distant from God is short-lived and illusory. God is the actual possessor of all the power and resources and it is He who grants such capabilities to people for a time to test them. No man has the power to harm another or to be superior over others merely through his wealth or power. Rather, God grants such potency to test man, though it is all within His grasp.

A man without a strong faith fears cruel people and hesitates to confront them. For this reason, the evil go to great lengths as to please such people and strive to earn their respect. They direct all their talk and behaviour in such a way as to convey the message that they are "on their side", and think that they will earn wealth and power as long as they are under their "wing". Little do they know, however, that such an inclination degrades and dishonours them before God and His sincere servants. It is similar to a man who fears a burglar and thus tries to please him, or someone who tries to behave like a murderer because he is afraid of one.


What is important is to become a person valued by God, the One Who is the Creator and Possessor of everything. For this reason, those who fail to grasp the might of God must be told about the importance of the fear for God and love for Him. They must be told that the evil are actually weak and unable to accomplish anything unless by the Will of God.

In a verse, God informs us of the fact that the good should only have fear for Him and only keep company with those who observe His limits:

You who believe! Have fear of God and be with the truly sincere. (Surat at-Tawba: 11 9) 

The Good Do Not Fear the Censure of Censurers

A devout person only fears God and has a good grasp of the fact that God is the possessor of all power. The only reality these people are concerned with is the Day of Judgement, which they prepare for all their lives. For this reason, it is impossible to threaten such a person with something related to this world, to dishearten them, or to cause them anxiety, fear, hopelessness and pessimism. That is why, the exuberant energy of such a person never abates, no matter what comes upon him in life. Aware that God is his protector, he turns to Him, Who has infinitive mercy, compassion and forgiveness. If he confronts an adversity, a plot, a slander or an unexpected circumstance, he keeps in mind that God is with him, seeing and hearing what the evil are doing. God is the al-Khabir, the one who has knowledge of the most hidden of secrets. That is why, none of those events in life, which would generally be deemed disasters by disbelievers, are intimidating or discouraging to believers. Below are some of the verses in which God mentions people of the past who faced every form of affliction but stood up to them:

How many a prophet has fought with many devout man alongside him! They did not give up in the face of what assailed them in the Way of God, nor did they weaken, nor did they yield. God loves the steadfast. All they said was, 'Our Lord, forgive us our wrong actions and any excesses we went to in what we did and make our feet firm and help us against these disbelieving people.' So God gave them the reward of the world and the best reward of the hereafter. God loves good-doers. (Surah Ali 'Imran: 146-148)

There is another feature to recognise of true believers who are protected and supported by God; they do not fear the censure of any censurers. God conveys this in the answer Prophet Noah (as) gives to his people:

Recite to them the story of Noah when he said to his people, 'My people, if my standing here and reminding you of God's Signs has become too much for you to bear, know that I have put my trust in God. So decide, you and your gods, on what you want to do and be open about it. Do with me whatever you decide and do not keep me waiting. (Surah Yunus: 71)

If one aims to be among the righteous blessed with God's love, favours and the company of His true servants in paradise, then he has to commit himself to remain forthright and honest. Even under the severest threat or unjust treatment, a true believer should not abandon telling and advocating what is true and just. What makes prophets superior is their unyielding insistence in defending the truth, even in hardest of times. Such a resolute and courageous disposition stems from their deep-felt faith. A great example of the commitment and determination of believers is seen in the answer the Prophet Shu'ayb (as) gave under threat of death:

My people! Do as you think best. That is what I am doing. You will certainly come to know who will receive a punishment to disgrace him, and who is a liar. So look out. I will be on the lookout with you.' (Surah Hud: 93)

Just Saying "I Believe" is Enough for a Person to be Considered As a Good Person

One of the attributes of Muslims and the conscientious is that they do not discriminate between people because of their sex, culture, social status or any other reason. For instance, one does not have the right to say "You are not a believer because you fail to do this..." to someone who clearly maintains that he is a Muslim. No prejudice is held against a person who says he believes. In any case, people should always be eager to help when such a person is in need. God commands in a verse as follows:

You who believe! When you go out to fight in the Way of God verify things carefully. Do not say, 'You are not a believer", to someone who greets you as a Muslim, simply out of desire for the goods of this world. With God there is booty in abundance. That is the way you were before but God has been kind to you. So verify things carefully. God is aware of what you do. (Surat an-Nisa': 94) 

This approach is manifested in the acts of God's Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the best way. One hadith that describes the dialogue between the Prophet Muhammad and a believer reads:
I said, 'Messenger of God, say to me something on Islam about which I will not ask anyone other than you'. He said, 'Say, "I believe in God" then go straight'.11 

One's faith in God, his closeness to Him and the fear he has for God is only known by God. Therefore, raising negative charges against someone who conducts himself like a sincere Muslim and says that he is with the good is utterly prohibited to believers.

The Support of the Good to One Another Should Not be Limited to Words

The majority of people actually have a good grasp of what good, righteous and conscientious conduct is. For this reason, when talking to others, one will find that the majority of people usually accept the good and positive and affirm their commitment to side with the good. However, when it is time to act, most of them remain silent and passive. Although they encounter many situations for which they could side with the good and defend them, they remain ambivalent.

There are many reasons for this silence. Fear of material loss is one of them. For instance, someone defending an innocent person from the alliance of the evil may attract the reaction of the evil and thus, with the fear of some material loss, stop defending him. Accordingly, he may be seized by certain concerns; he may fear that his status, career and reputation may be tarnished, or that he be subjected to slander. Paralysed by fear, they may not say or do what they actually know is just.

However, these people should be aware of the fact that words only please God when they are turned into action. God informs us about people who promise to engage in good deeds but withdraw when it is time to take action:

More fitting for them would be obedience and honourable words. When some matter is resolved, it would be better for them if they acted sincerely towards God. (Surah Muhammad: 21)

For this reason everyone who has faith in God, who is aware that he will give an account of his deeds on the Day of Judgement and, who believes himself to be a sincere and conscientious servant of God, must absolutely ally himself with the good and act with them. God warns people who fail to side with the righteous as follows:

You who believe! Why do you say what you do not do? It is deeply abhorrent to God that you should say what you do not do. (Surat as-Saff: 2-3) 

Nobody Should Say "Will My Support Be of Any Help?" 

It would be wrong for a person, who witnesses the violence committed against the innocent, recognises the cruelty, mercilessness, immorality, faithlessness around him, and thus feels restless and longs for the establishment of a peaceful and positive environment, to remain passive. Everyone must invest his best effort to spread the moral values of the Qur'an, which is the only way to resolve problems originating from evil, and strive for good and righteousness.

However, Satan certainly aims to gain control over every person who devotes himself to goodness and weaken his resolve. One method Satan employs to discourage a person striving for the good is to make him belittle his efforts and say "What difference would my efforts make?" Faced with all the evil, cruelty, wars and massacres taking place in all corners of the world, a person may feel himself to be feeble and impotent. However, the fact of the matter is quite otherwise. First of all, neither an individual, nor a society, or any other power can bring peace, security, tolerance, love, compassion, friendship and understanding to the world. The One who will establish this blissful environment is our Lord, who has power over all things, who possesses endless might, and who knows what is inside our hearts, and the substance of our thoughts and words.
We, on the other hand, should strive for the good solely as a demonstration of our true and sincere intentions and our service to God, and as a way to earn the rewards of God. A sincere word from someone, a pleasing manner in another, or the patience and commitment one displays, may well set an example for others, make them feel closer to the morality of the Qur'an, and eventually become a propelling force in increasing the number of the good. Ultimately, God will give strength to the good and turn this world into a happy one. Therefore, saying "Would my efforts be of any help?" is only a temptation from Satan, and lending an ear to this temptation is simply a way of avoiding one's responsibility.

As long as one is determined to do what is right and remain conscientious, there are great things that can be accomplished for the cause of good. For example, let us assume that there is a very heavy weight to carry. If only 4 people among 15 commit themselves to carry this weight while the others stand aside because they think "they are too weak to carry the weight", it would not be a wise assertion. However, when 15 of them take on the responsibility and do their best to carry the weight, it would surely lessen the burden of the first 4. What really matters is not "Who does what, to which extent" but to what extent one exerts his own strength.
In a verse of the Qur'an, God informs us that He does "not impose on anyone more than he can stand". For a good person, there is always an easier way of doing things:

Such people are truly racing towards good things, and they are the first to reach them. We do not impose on any self any more than it can stand. With Us there is a Book which speaks the truth. They will not be wronged. (Surat al-Muminun: 61-62)