By Prof. M. J. Robleh — Chemist
Introduction: When Morality Falters, Humanity Suffers
The dignity of mankind is the foundation of any civilized society — a reflection of our moral conscience, compassion, and respect for life. When that dignity is compromised, the world begins to unravel.
In today’s fast-moving modern world, we face a moral and ethical crisis that goes beyond politics or economics. From expired medicines on pharmacy shelves to chemically treated foods and toxic beverages in our markets, human life is being quietly devalued — all in the name of profit.
The Divine Gift of Dignity
The Qur’an reminds us:
“Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam.”
(Surah Al-Isra: 70)
This verse defines what it means to be human. Dignity is not just a status we inherit; it is a sacred responsibility. We are called to use our intellect and moral sense to distinguish between what is right and wrong, lawful and harmful.
True dignity comes from compassion, restraint, and protecting others from deceit and harm. A society that abandons these values cannot truly claim to be advanced, no matter how modern its technology or economy becomes.
A World in Moral Crisis
Look around, and you can see the warning signs everywhere:
Wars without purpose — human lives lost for greed and power.
Expired medicines sold to the sick, risking countless lives.
Spoiled foods and drinks repackaged and sold to unsuspecting customers.
Dairy and meat chemically treated to look fresh but filled with toxins.
Technology used for deception and manipulation, rather than enlightenment.
These are not isolated acts of corruption — they are symptoms of a deeper spiritual illness. When profit becomes more important than people, when truth is replaced by convenience, human dignity fades.
Prophetic traditions warned that in the end times, people would destroy themselves with their own hands — chasing wealth while losing their moral soul.
The Hidden Health Hazards
- Expired Medicines
Expired drugs lose their healing power and can become toxic. They can damage the liver, kidneys, and cause chronic illnesses. Selling them knowingly is not just unethical — it’s a crime against humanity.
- Expired or Chemically Treated Foods
Foods treated with harmful chemicals or sold past their expiry date cause severe health problems: gastrointestinal infections, food poisoning, and even cancer. The short-term profit of a few unscrupulous traders is costing entire communities their health.
- Expired Beverages
Soft drinks and juices “revived” with artificial chemicals may look and taste normal, but they silently damage the brain, liver, and nervous system.
- Deadly Preservatives
Substances like formalin, sodium benzoate, hydrogen peroxide, nitrates, and benzoic acid are commonly used to preserve food or make it look fresher. These are slow poisons — especially when used on fish, meat, or dairy products.
Why Is This Happening?
At the heart of these threats lie several painful truths:
Moral decay and greed, where money outweighs compassion.
Weak regulation, as inspection and enforcement remain poor.
Corruption, with traders exploiting public ignorance.
Lack of awareness, as many consumers don’t realize the risks they face daily.
It’s a reflection of how far we’ve drifted from ethical foundations and human empathy.
A Path Forward: Restoring Integrity and Safety
At the Government Level
- Enforce strict food and drug quality inspections.
- Impose tough penalties on those selling expired or toxic products.
- Launch nationwide awareness campaigns on public health and safety.
- Strengthen and fund food and drug regulatory authorities to protect citizens.
At the Community Level
- Check expiry dates on all goods before purchasing.
- Avoid cheap, suspicious products from unverified sellers.
- Promote awareness in local groups, schools, and markets.
- Work together with government agencies to protect the public.
At the Personal Level
- Live by honesty, compassion, and moral restraint.
- Remember that integrity and fear of God are stronger than any law.
- Let conscience guide your choices — because saving one life is saving all of humanity.
Conclusion: Restoring the Honor of Humanity
If we truly wish to build a just and healthy world, we must first return to moral conscience and protect the dignity that God has granted us.
Technology and profit should serve life — not destroy it. Human dignity is worth more than any wealth, trade, or temporary gain.
The Qur’an beautifully reminds us:
“Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all mankind.”
(Qur’an 5:32)
Let us reclaim that purpose. Let us choose honesty over greed, compassion over cruelty, and dignity over deception. For the survival of humanity depends not just on science or technology — but on the morality that gives them meaning.
