ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Spirituality of the Shi‘ism and Other Discourses Discourse Fourteen: The Purpose of Covenants In nonreligious societies, especially so-called advanced civilized ones, society and social laws have no aim other than to further and better the enjoyment of material life. Therefore, there is no reason for them to bind themselves to anything save rules and regulations that can secure material aims.

It is evident that in such environs, spirituality has no value except to the extent that it is in agreement with the materialistic values of the people. For instance, truthfulness, humaneness, kindness, beneficence, valor, and other moral virtues are only considered useful and necessary when they further the realization of personal material interests.

However, if moral virtues are not compatible with material benefits, not only are they considered unnecessary, but it is believed to be necessary to act in opposition with those virtues. Authenticity of matter It is for this reason that governments, ruling parties, and official congresses consider no duty for themselves other than protecting the interests of the society’s material life. The covenants and treaties they make are in accordance to prevailing interests and instant benefits.

Their value is determined by the international weight of the obligor and their power and dominance. Naturally, their continuation depends on the balance of powers. However, if one side becomes more powerful, they invalidate the covenant using fabricated excuses and accusations.

They resort to excuses to preserve the semblance of global laws, the annulment of which would jeopardize the life of the society or a portion of its vital interests; otherwise, there would be no problem with repudiation of any treaty without the least excuse. Furthermore, lies, betrayal, and transgression against the rights of others are not an obstacle in measures taken to attain material gain.

Such people do not consider morals and spirituality to have any authenticity; rather, they are tools they use to realize the aims of the society, i.e. enjoyment of material life. With some study of global events, especially international events over the past century, the value of treaties and covenants, and the reason for their invalidation becomes clear, giving us substantial evidence for this claim.