Why Moral Conscience Cannot Replace Prophets
Some people may think that moral conscience is enough for guiding humankind and that it can eliminate the need for prophets. However, this internal force depends on individual or social features and can change based on circumstances and traditions. For instance, smoking a bitter cigarette for the first time is not welcomed by the conscience but the continuation of the act gradually makes an individual accustomed to it and even enjoy it.
We know some people who are scared of killing an animal in their first experience, however, doing this act over and over again makes them change their feelings and conscience.
Of course, conscience is a crucial and beneficial force but one cannot solely rely on that. Part of Kumayl supplication reads: “O Allah! Forgive me such sins as would tear apart safeguards.”
Committing a sin for the first time is irritating for the conscience but with the repetition of that sin, it becomes normal and even someone may feel sad because of not committing the sin.
According to Imam Ali (AS), prophets came to bring to life the Fitrat (divine nature) of mankind and set aside negligence. But is the guidance provided by conscience enough? Sure not.
This article was derived from a book written by Iranian Quran teacher and researcher Mohsen Qara’ati.
