AHMAD AYAZ
Living in a society comes with responsibilities—not just for ourselves but for those around us. We are not isolated individuals but part of a collective, where each person’s well-being is tied to the actions and care of others. Yet, when a mentally ill man committed an act no sane person would—building a fake replica of the Kaaba—what did we do? Did we fulfill our duty to help him, or did we turn a blind eye?
This incident forces us to ask: Have we failed as a society?
Ignoring the Signs: A Neglected Responsibility
The man in question needed medical treatment long ago, yet no one ensured he received it. His deteriorating mental health should have been noticed, his condition addressed. But despite many people visiting him and interacting with him, no one intervened. Was it not our duty to secure him proper medical care, to admit him to a government hospital, or at the very least, to raise an alarm about his deteriorating condition?
Islam commands us to care for those in need, including those suffering from mental health issues. The Quran emphasizes:
“And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive…” (Surah Al-Insan 76:8-9)
This verse does not only speak of physical nourishment but also of the care and attention society must provide to its vulnerable members. Mental illness is as much a hardship as hunger or poverty. Yet, we often ignore it, dismissing sufferers as mere “eccentrics” rather than individuals in need of treatment.
The Tragedy of Mental Health Stigma
Mental illness is often misunderstood in our society. Instead of treating it as a medical condition, many dismiss it as spiritual weakness or superstition. This neglect leads to tragedies—people suffering in silence, their conditions worsening without intervention.
The Quran warns against such negligence:
“And do not give the weak-minded your property, which Allah has made a means of sustenance for you, but provide for them with it and clothe them and speak to them words of appropriate kindness.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:5)
Here, “weak-minded” does not mean mere ignorance but includes those who, due to mental illness, cannot manage their affairs. The verse commands us to treat them with kindness and to ensure their well-being. Yet, did we extend this kindness? Did we ensure this man was provided with treatment rather than being left to his delusions?
The Silent Bystanders: Where Was the Collective Conscience?
The failure of our society is not limited to one individual. The fact that a fake Kaaba was being built in broad daylight without intervention is deeply concerning. Did no one in the vicinity notice? How did those involved—carpenters, masons, laborers—remain silent?
Islam teaches collective responsibility:
“And help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and aggression.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:2)
Every person who saw the construction and said nothing bears some responsibility. It was not just a physical structure being built; it was an act that could lead to misunderstanding, controversy, and confusion. The workers involved were not unaware. Did they question their actions, or did they simply view it as another task to complete for money? Did no one feel a sense of duty to stop this before it reached completion?
Moral Decay: A Society Desensitized to Wrongdoing
The ease with which people ignore or justify wrong actions is alarming. We have become desensitized—so accustomed to hearing shocking news that we shrug and move on.
Islam teaches that remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing is itself a sin. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith.” (Sahih Muslim 49)
Yet, we often choose none of these. We neither take action nor speak against wrongs. At best, we feel momentary outrage before returning to our daily routines. This moral decay is not a minor issue; it is a dangerous trend that erodes the fabric of our society.
The Role of Leadership and Religious Institutions
Religious leaders, scholars, and institutions hold a special place in our community. They are the moral guides, the ones people turn to for wisdom. Yet, when such incidents occur, do we hear their voices loud enough? Are our mosques, madrassas, and scholars proactive in addressing societal issues beyond ritualistic teachings?
A strong, responsible society is built not just on individual morality but on collective action. If religious leaders emphasize community responsibility more, perhaps fewer such incidents would occur.
Lessons to Learn and Steps to Take
This incident is not an isolated one. It is a symptom of a larger issue—our collective failure to care for the vulnerable, to speak against wrongdoing, and to uphold social responsibility.
To prevent such occurrences in the future, we must:
- Prioritize Mental Health Awareness
Recognize mental illness as a medical condition, not a stigma.
Encourage treatment rather than neglect.
Ensure access to psychiatric care for those in need. - Foster a Sense of Collective Duty
Teach that every individual has a responsibility to intervene when they see something wrong.
Create awareness programs to educate communities about social responsibilities.
Strengthen families’ roles in identifying and supporting mentally ill members. - Strengthen Religious and Social Education
Emphasize not just personal piety but also social justice and communal well-being.
Ensure that religious institutions address modern societal challenges.
Educate imams and scholars on the importance of mental health support. - Encourage Moral Courage
People must feel empowered to question and stop actions that are harmful, misleading, or unethical.
Social institutions should provide platforms where concerns can be raised without fear.
Community leaders must lead by example, speaking up against injustices.
Conclusion: Have We Truly Failed?
The building of a fake Kaaba by a mentally ill man is not just an isolated act of one person—it is a mirror reflecting our society’s shortcomings. From neglecting the mentally ill to failing to stop a questionable act in progress, we have demonstrated a concerning level of indifference.
Yet, failure is not final. Recognizing our shortcomings is the first step toward change. If we take this as a wake-up call, if we renew our commitment to caring for the vulnerable and upholding justice, then we can still repair the moral fabric of our society.
The question remains: Will we act, or will we continue to fail?
The Author can be reached on ahmadayaz08@gmail.com
