Bismillah,
The majority of people conform to societal pressures.
Be that trends, customs, or norms.
This is not inherently wrong, as humans rely on being socially accepted to fit in with the “tribe”.
However, when these societal pressures are immoral, we must resist and detest them.
Today we will explore the inspiring life of Prophet Lot (AS) to aid us in resisting immoral peer pressure.
Background:
Lot (AS) lived during a time of moral decadence and societal decay.
Lot (AS) believed in his uncle Ibrahim’s (AS) message of Islam despite ridicule by his people.
Lot (AS) accompanied Ibrahim (AS) travels in spreading Islam
He was sent by Allah (SWT) to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities known for their widespread immorality and deviation from divine guidance.
Prophethood:
Lot (AS) received divine revelation and courageously called the people of Sodom and Gomorrah to abandon their sinful ways and return to righteousness.
Sodom and Gomorrah were known for openly normalising homosexuality.
He (AS) warned them of the consequences of their immoral behavior and urged them to repent.
When Angels came to visit Lot (AS), the people of the city wanted to hurt the Angels.
Even Lot (AS) wife was implicit in supporting homosexuality.
The Angels informed Lot (AS) of Allah’s (SWT) decree to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, and told him to leave with his family without looking back.
His family left, other than his Wife who turned around and was destroyed for her rebellious actions.
Legacy:
Prophet Lot’s (AS) story serves as a timeless lesson on the importance of upholding virtue and resisting immorality, despite the societal standards.
While the people of Sodom and Gomorrah faced divine punishment due to their persistent disobedience, Lot’s (AS) legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of faith and righteous conduct.
Lot (AS) resisted his societies immorality and even had to combat his own wife’s immoral nature.
HE (AS) did not conform to the societal standard.
Application Today:
As Muslims, the story of Lot (AS) stands the test of time as a lesson to not fall prey to peer pressures from anyone to accept immoral actions.
In modern times there are many normalised movements, including the gay rights movement.
We must speak out against immorality done, respectfully.
Be that a colleague at work treating another colleague disrespectfully.
A family member oppressing another person (like Lot AS wife).
Or actions we have done ourselves.
Justice and Truth must always be our point of reference, even against ourselves.
We must resist peer pressure to conform to immorality to please Allah (SWT) and speak against immorality and injustice.
Let us reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Lot (AS), drawing inspiration from his unwavering determination to virtue and righteousness.
May we emulate his (AS) courage and dedication to upholding divine values in our daily lives, seeking Allah’s guidance and mercy in our journey towards spiritual enlightenment and righteousness.
Ameen!
وَلُوطًا ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ حُكْمًۭا وَعِلْمًۭا وَنَجَّيْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلْقَرْيَةِ ٱلَّتِى كَانَت تَّعْمَلُ ٱلْخَبَـٰٓئِثَ ۗ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَوْمَ سَوْءٍۢ فَـٰسِقِينَ
And to Lot We gave wisdom and knowledge, and delivered him from the society engrossed in shameful practices. They were certainly an evil, rebellious people.
SURAH AL-ANBIYA (21:74