Surah 2 · Verse 188

[2:188] This verse, together with 42:38 and 59:7 and a few other verses, reminds us one of the most important principles for a just, peaceful, and prosperous society. Monarchies, dictatorships, oligarchies, or regimes where wealth and political power accumulates in the hands of a few, compromise the foundations of justice. A society with no justice cannot enjoy happiness. The biggest challenge for the Western world is the protection of democratic procedures from the corruptive power of money and separation of powers. When a government becomes the government of the wealthy, by the wealthy and for the wealthy, the interest of the nation and indirectly the interest of all of humanity is risked. Today, more than any time in history, there is interdependence among the nations of the world. Regardless of its location, reckless treatment of planet earth poisons everyone's atmosphere. Reckless production of weapons, regardless of its location, risks the security of all nations. The gap between rich and poor nations, and the aggressive militaristic adventures of powerful nations challenge the security of the entire world. This gap is augmented through imperialistic policies that use illicit methods, such as misinformation, jingoistic propaganda, puppet regimes, and overt and covert military operations. Because of technology, the Internet, global economy, and an increase in population, our world is quickly shrinking, and the consequences of neo-colonialism will be different. The oligarchs who have been engaging in state terrorism finally reaped a competition, an asymmetrical and unpredictable one. The injustice and corruption enjoyed by the world powers is generating and will continue to generate hatred, frustration, and resentment around the world. Those who have nothing to lose will make sure the rest lose their sleep. The world must take heed. For a similar reminder, see the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 16:18-20.