A Healthy Society under the Grace of Ethics (Part 4)

Social seclusion

Reaction of dissociability and mockery in retardation of individual and society.  Sociologists believe that social seclusion, in any form and in any case, have very unfavorable effects in the spirit and body of individual and society.

This is approved both in respect to those living in seclusion, and also the tribes and nations and in general the groups living separately for social, political and or geographical reasons.

One of the sociologists, Rousseau, in his book "Principles of sociology" has studied the effects of social seclusion on a large number of prisoners being imprisoned in individual cells. He says: Ten percent of them have died or committed suicide or become insane after one year, and the others too have suffered from a sort of mental disease (depression).

Then he adds: among the individual prisoners, the challenge of social spirit of a person against death is really pathetic, because sometimes only offering one flower or one candy to a prisoner may quench his thirst for social contact and save him from death.

He stipulates about the monks and cenobites that seclusion has ill effects in their spirit, and causes depression, despair, delusion and most often a sort of mental disorder. (14)

The effects of social seclusion in desert travelers and nomadic tribes, who live in a sort of permanent seclusion, are particularly visible, because their retardation is manifest in all mental and social aspects and in proportion with the manner of their tribal seclusion.

In addition, the countries dissociating the others for special political regimes will be involved in retardation in different aspects, if they do not communicate through other means like publications, and such like.

Considering previous discussions and the point that we are indebted all developments to the accumulation of thoughts, experiences and innovations of nations and individuals, the main cause of this issue is completely clear. So, we shall accept that social seclusion is the greatest enemy for perfection of societies and progresses and men’s development in all aspects and it is also the source of all types of deviations.

Islam and Monasticism

Now, we shall see what is the view of Islam in this respect?

Monasticism is commonly applied to those who dissociate and seclude people for worship and fear of God.

Historical origin

This action has been popular among the Indians from old times, and then it became common among Christians. Some believe that its prevalence among Christians or the Jews originated from the repeated defeats, which they suffered from one of the cruel and dictator kings of that time, and then they decided to become scattered and engage in worship in deserts until the promised prophet appears, and delivers them from humbleness and scattering. (15)

Refrences:

14- Sociology, Samuel King, page 428

15- Refer to the History of "Will Durant"

Source: alhassanain.com

Other links:

Some of the Etiquettes of Charity

What Does Karbala Teach us?

Signs of Faith in Allah

Duties of a True Muslim

Effects of Sins