When Intellect Becomes a Weapon: The Social Impact of Misdirected Genius

Allah has sent humans to this world endowed with exceptional intelligence. Among all the creatures on Earth, the intellect of humans holds the highest significance. Through this intellect, humans are capable of managing and directing other beings, and for this reason, mankind is considered the best among all creations. This excellence lies not merely in physical form, but in thought, analysis, and self-awareness—qualities that elevate humans to a level unimaginable by any other creature.

Losing Individuality through Imitation

Yet, at times, humans, highly motivated by others, descend to the level of animals. When a person forgets their individuality and begins to live solely by imitating others, their sense of consciousness, dignity, and intellect gradually erode. This not only harms the individual but pushes the entire society into an artificial and unnatural flow.

Influence vs. Awareness

You remain a truly normal human being only as long as you are able to refrain from being influenced and forced to align yourself with someone else's path. But this is not easy for everyone. From birth, our way of life is influenced by others—family, society, and culture—shaping our development from infancy to adulthood. If such influence is positive, it becomes a blessing. But if it’s negative, it can lead to destruction.

The Trap of Idols and the Culture of Flattery

Within this system, we begin to treat others as our idols, clinging to them like glue. But to stick like glue, a lot of "oil" must be spent. We feel compelled to secure a place beside them at any cost. This "oil" is not limited to flattery or praise—it includes sacrificing self-respect, forgetting moral values, and even trampling on one’s own ideals. Those who blindly follow others gradually lose their ability to think and live a robotic life.

The Waste of Intellect in Supporting Falsehood

Instead of using our intellect to stand for what is right, we often use it to support wrongdoing. In doing so, we expend our intellect in unjust paths, which is in itself an injustice. Intellect is a neutral force—whether it becomes beneficial or destructive depends on how it is used. A pen can spread truth, but it can also propagate falsehood. When a writer or thinker supports lies, their intellect becomes a poisonous weapon that spreads confusion and injustice in society.

From Personal Failure to Social Crime

Sometimes, in enabling wrongdoing, we even begin to think unjustly and try to impose these thoughts on others. When we fail to use our intellect for good and instead use it for evil, we not only commit a personal failure but contribute to a social crime. When a talented person engages in promoting falsehood, they not only fall themselves but also destroy the conscience of society.

Conclusion

Human intellect is a magnificent gift from Allah. Its proper use can foster development, justice, and humanity; while its misuse can lead to confusion, injustice, and self-destruction. It should be the goal of every conscientious person to ensure that this divine gift is used for good in every thought, decision, and action. We must remain vigilant so that this priceless asset granted by Allah is not lost in the waves of arrogance, imitation, and injustice.