Two Paths, Two Destinies; A Comparative Analysis of the Result of Perseverance in Doing Good and Evil
When we encounter the term perseverance in doing good and evil, we may think that we are dealing with a purely religious term or concept. But this is not a correct perception, good and evil are present in our daily lives and have also occupied a large part of philosophy and psychology.
The concept of good and evil, its relative or absolute nature and the consequences of good and evil are concepts that we discussed in detail in previous lessons. In this lesson, we will examine the issue of good and evil from this perspective: Where exactly is the fundamental difference between the perseverance in doing good and evil? Does this secret of the eternity of good and the destruction of evil have a divine and innate origin, or is it merely the product of social conventions and individual habits?
For example, why do people who always act rightly become trusted members of society, but people who constantly make mistakes, even if they seem good for a while, will eventually face distrust from others?
From the perspective of Islamic teachings, examining the difference between perseverance in doing good and evil shows that good deeds are not simply understood as a set of good behaviors, but as a way to connect to the endless source of goodness, that is, the True Beloved of human beings. Examples such as Hur ibn Yazid Riyahi show that establishing and persevering in a good cause, even after failures, can fundamentally change a person’s destiny. But if we step outside the circle of faith and narration and turn to intellect and inner nature, what answer will we find?
Moral philosophers such as Aristotle [1] and Kant believe that the true value of good deeds lies in their permanent practice and becoming a virtue, not just in the temporary acts of good deeds. From a rational perspective, persistence in good and evil also guarantees security, trust, and growth for both the individual and society.
Moreover, recent psychological findings show that repeating good deeds even without religious motivations, improves mental health, enhances social relationships, and increases inner satisfaction. In contrast, those who persist in destructive habits and antisocial behaviors will usually experience feelings of emptiness, anxiety, and gradual isolation. Thus, the eternity of good and perish of evil are not only a religious or philosophical truth but are part of the mathematics of God’s creation and has certain consequences.
The Eternity of Good and Perishability of Evil
The eternity of good and perish of evil is not merely a religious doctrine or an ideal situation for philosophers, justified solely on the basis of religious faith or idealistic beliefs; rather, this principle can be confirmed and explained as a lived and experienced reality.
Historical Evidence Proving the Importance of the Perseverance in Doing Good and Evil
In the horizon of history, evidence shows that goodness and virtue, despite many ups and downs and obstacles, have unparalleled durability and effectiveness. Figures such as Jesus (Peace be upon him), Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Imam Ali (Peace be upon him), Imam Hussain (Peace be upon him), or in our contemporary times, Imam Khomeini (RA), Mother Teresa, or Mahatma Gandhi are all great personalities. Although they are not comparable to each other in terms of human rank, these personalities are remembered fondly. They have remained in the memory of history as examples of people whose tireless perseverance in goodness and virtue has left their names and legacies. These legacies are not only in the collective memory of their people and nation, but also in the conscience of humanity. Even if we examine the lives of great people in history only from an earthly perspective and through their worldly services, we see that they are remembered for their human values, not for the fame they had during their lifetime.
In contrast, conquerors, tyrants, and those who have persisted in oppression and evil, even if they once had extensive power or dominance, have either been completely forgotten in the collective human mind or only their names remain as symbols of admonition, hatred, and disgust. The history of the rule of people like Genghis Khan, Hitler or other tyrants is clear evidence of the fact that even if evil dominates the scene of time for a period, its ultimate legacy is nothing but disgrace and isolation.
Perseverance in Doing Good and Evil from the Islamic Perspective
The perseverance in doing good and evil is depicted with added emphasis in the religious sphere. Monotheistic teachings, especially in the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (Peace be upon them), link the perseverance of good not only to hereafter rewards, but also to its lasting and tangible impact on the universe and human society. True goodness and benefit are like pure water that always remains and breathes life into the world, but evil and falsehood, like foam on water, transient and fleeting. The prophets, the successors, and the saints of God are always the standard of this truth that what remains eternal is their character, behavior, and social impact, not the fleeting clamor of their enemies.
Good and Evil from Intellective and Psychological Perspective
From intellective and psychological perspective, analyses also support this idea. Research shows that the permanence of good is rooted in the deep mechanisms of inner nature (fitrah) and the needs of the collective human spirit. The tendency towards goodness and justice is embedded in the subconscious of a collective; good behaviors create stability not only in historical memory, but also in the mental health and inner satisfaction of individuals.
In contrast, insisting on evil or repeating destructive behaviors, even if they appear successful, leads to identity distortion, social distrust, and serious psychological damage in the long run; thus, the perish of evil as an existential and human necessity is understandable and demonstrable.
Examining the perseverance in doing good and evil shows that the fate of these two paths, beyond intellectual, psychological, and social realities is linked to real rewards and punishments in the eternal life of human beings. Continuous good always leads to growth and peace, and gives man confidence and social capital. In contrast, evil, although temporary and deceptive, leads to the erosion of individual and collective identity and distrust.
References
[1]. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” (Aristotle 2. 1-2)