What Islam Bestows To Humanity Religion Essay

What Islam Bestows To Humanity Religion Essay ABSTRACT Humanity needs Islam for its spiritual transformation. It needs Islam to live happily and successfully in this life. It needs Islam to find salvation in the life to come. Islam is the religion of truth and it guides to all that is good. WHAT ISLAM BESTOWS TO HUMANITY? Almost all moral or religious reform revival movements prior to Islam emerged as reactions against existing orders. This explains as to why they were one-sided failed to address all aspect of human life. For example, Taoism-a Chinese version of mysticism- taught a corrupt and vice-ridden China to neglect material pleasures. Confucianism-a middle of the road approach- was opposed to these principles and called upon those who had retreated to monasteries to seek spiritual purification and individual piety in and through the thicks of life to establish a virtuous state and live a social life among the people. Indias vast fertile land was invaded several times, which caused its religions to become very mystical. In addition, asceticism grew as a reaction against the previously prevalent luxury and debauchery.  [1]  Likewise Judaism was heavily this worldly in its approach. Christianity, on the other hand, particularly in the beginning, developed too much as an otherworldly religio n. It was a revelation, as Jesus Christ himself emphasized, for a particular nation at a particular time and in particular circumstances, and so was not the final and complete Divine message.  [2]  Only Muhammad (PBUH) emerged a the last Prophet of God to reveal His truth. Before this, polytheism and other variants of disbelief were prevalent: Most of humanity did not believe in God, but associated other gods with Him.  [3]  As people measured not God with His true measure  [4]  , some believed that He had a son while others erroneously considered the angels to be His daughters.  [5]   The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) revealed the truth about God and uncompromisingly emphasized His oneness Unity. With him, God perfected His religion and declared that the true religion with Him is Islam  [6]  and: therefore, whoso desires another religion than Islam, it shall not be accepted of him and in the next world he shall be among the losers  [7]  . God revealed that the message , the prophet of islam, brought was universal,  [8]  that he spoke only what was revealed to him, and that he did not speak on his own authority. We appointed for you a Messenger from among you so that he will recite to you Our signs, purify you, and teach you the Book, wisdom, and what you do not know.  [9]  Such facts were foretold by Jesus  [10]  and mentioned in the Quran  [11]  . Only purified souls can use science and technology to benefit humanity. If this fact is ignored, such knowledge can lead to death distruction as we witnessed in the twentieth century. Only purified s ouls fully conversant with science and technology can lead humanity toward true happiness here and salvation in the here after.  [12]   Any religion or system that lacks the principles of spiritual purity or the conditions of a virtuous social life cannot provide true happiness. As will be explained, Islam provides a complete guidance for our lives here and in the hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as the blessing for all the worlds, and so there is no need to renew the Divine message through another Prophet-so long as we hold the eternal and uncorrupted Quran,  [13]  Ã‚   Sunnah of the prophet (PBUH). Islam presents for mankind an equitable, fair and complete system of life, for while it exalts the human spirit and prescribes ideal ethical and spiritual principles for man, it does not deny the importance of the material aspect of his life either.  [14]  It is rather a comprehensive way of life, spiritually and materially, in the conscience of the individual as well as in the behaviour of the society, and includes the principles of social rights and obligations in all dealings, whether they pertain to economics, politics or to international relations.  [15]  Some people contend that Islam, now 1,400 years old, is obsolete and outmoded and, that new guidance is required. Such an assertion is totally unfounded, for Islam was revealed by God as an eternal final message of God to human kind. Further, the Quran assures us that not only the Quran was revealed by God Almighty but it would also be presented by Him. Those who think that Islam has had its sway once, and now it is fu tile to attempt its rebirth, are labouring under grave misconception. The effervescence of its wave-is still curling the waters as the consequences of the Islamic revolution are by no means exhausted. Islam is destined to prevail over all other religions. And this assertion expectation of Quran is yet to be materialized in full. It will be realized nonetheless-with us o without us is a separate question. Moreover, Islam is addressed to essential human nature, so long as his nature remains the same the guidance remain operative effective. It is a modern illusion that everything is subject to change. Human nature show a beautiful balance between elements of permanence and change: Outward forms change, while fundamental principles, basic values, and essential human nature and needs do not.  [16]  Islam is the only religion that embraces all dimensions of life and possesses an established method that allows for the perennial evolution of human society in accordance with lifes fundamental principles and permanent values.  [17]  It is an outlook which manifests itself in all shades of human behaviour. Thus the Islamic concept of social, political and moral order is more concrete and tangible than of any other religion.  [18]   HUMANITY The Islamic concept of religion as a complete code of life has in fact spiritualized all aspects of human existence. It was hitherto thought that the spirit and matter are entities essentially opposed to each other. Religion is concerned only with the soul and has nothing to do with mundane activities of human body which gravitate him towards evil. The depravity of human nature, especially the supposed essential evil of the body, led to the absolute suppression of the whole sensual side of man. The idea of a religious man was that of an extremely detached , unsocial being. To flee from the social order, and take up the solitary life is the presupposition of salvation. It is in absolute loneliness, isolated from all other human beings that the religious and pious man stands face to face with himself and with Allah. Each person is composed of three parts-spirit, mind and body. Each of these needs to be satisfied. They are so interrelated, and their needs are so different, that neglecting one results in our failing to attain perfection.  [19]   As we read in the Quran: Fair in the eyes of men is the love of what they covet: women, children, stored-up heaps of gold and silver, horses of mark, cattle and tillage.  [20]  Our physical make-up and individual characteristics produce certain inclinations, and we can neither avoid satisfying these lusts implanted in us by the Creator nor be able to get rid of them. This does not mean that people attempting to satisfy their lusts are free to do as they please or cannot overcome their inclinations. On the contrary, this means that we can change our inclinations by exercising our free will, and can control our lust, anger, and other emotions and then use them to propel ourselves along the path of perfection and wisdom.  [21]   Islamic attitude towards the physical needs of a man can be well judged from the following Hadith. It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah b. Amr b. alAs that he was once asked by the holy Prophet (PBUH) whether it was correct that he observed fasts during the days and spend nights standing in prayer. Abdullah affirmed that. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: Dont do that. Keep fast at times and break at times, offer prayer and go to bed also. Your body has a right upon you, your eyes have a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, and your guests have also a right upon you.  [22]  Just as our physical body has its own pleasures and pains, our spirit has its own joys and ailments as well. Sickness hurts the body, while the physical well-being, health, and whatever is in harmony with its nature gives it pleasure. As for the spirit, its pleasures and diseases depend on whether or not the carnal soul has been purified.  [23]   All of us want to reach happiness. The most consummate happiness is to embody and manifest the Divine Attributes and characteristics. The soul of a truly happy person develops by knowing and loving God.  [24]  True happiness cannot be reached or retained unless all of the souls faculties and powers are purified and reformed.  [25]  Partial or temporary Reform or purification will not result in true happiness. Just as a body can be considered healthy only when all of its limbs and organs are healthy, people can attain perfect happiness only when freed from all evil-commanding animal passions preventing their ascension to higher realms.  [26]  Islam does not subscribe to soul-body dualism. Physical urges are an integral part of mans nature: not the result of the original sin, and therefore the demand of their burial is unnatural fraught with unnatural problems. Islam stands for their transformation, education training in order to redirect them to better ends and ideals. Re ason left to itself could be barren impotent. It requires the concurrence of passions to be operative effective. The order that Islam recommends is that our passions should be sub-ordinated to reason; while reason should be guided by revelation. We should never allow the passions to run wild. Piety in Islam does not consist in suppressing the demands of the body; it aims at coordinating them with the demands of the spirit in such a way that life might become full and righteous. The Muslims have been asked not to forbid themselves the use of the bounties of Allah.  [27]  Say: who has forbidden the beautiful gifts of Allah, which He has brought forth for His servants? And the things, clean and pure, which He has provided for sustenance. My Lord forbids only indecencies such of them as are apparent and such as are concealed and sin and highhandedness without justice, and that ye associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down any authority and that you say of Allah what you know not.  [28]   Self Purification does not mean eliminating desires and anger or destroying our reproductive instincts and capacity for self-defense, for such abilities are essential for our survival continued existence. For example, we are endowed with intellect to see the distinction between the devil the Devine. And we are endowed with freedom so that we could choose either of the two. Islam does not condemn outright the appetites of man; it justifies them to the extent where a man can put restraint upon them and control them according to the moral consciousness and thus use them for spiritual development.  [29]  O you apostles! Eat of things that are good and do what is right; of your good things I am cognizant.  [30]   We must express our powers and faculties in a balanced and moderate way so that they can perform their functions properly. Purifying and training the intellect brings knowledge and wisdom, purifying anger engenders courage and forbearance, and purifying passions and desires develop chastity. The moral virtues acquired by those moving toward perfection and the realization of true happiness are wisdom, courage, and chastity.  [31]   Our earthly life covers social, political, and economic aspects as well as spiritual ones. Our worldly nature presses us to be obedient to our desires. History testifies that when the power seekers finally do attain power, they turn to tyranny oppression and enslave the poor and the weak. On the other hand, God is All-Just and never approves of injustice and oppression. Thus the religion He revealed must-demands that our rulers must be conscious of the Day of Judgment. They must be fair just avoid cruelty oppression.  [32]   Muslims believe that the Quran is the word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It serves as the source of the Muslim worldview together with the Hadith and Sunnah and contains all the guidance that we require to lead a good life, both as individuals as members of an Islamic state.  [33]   WHAT ISLAM OFFERS TO HUMANITY? Humanity needs Islam for its spiritual transformation. It needs Islam to live happily and successfully in this life. It needs Islam to find salvation in the life to come. Islam is the religion of truth and it guides to all that is good. The Quran has mentioned in three places: It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it). (al-Tawbah 9:33 see also al-Fath 48:28; al-Saff 61:9). The truth is also called Al-Ilm or knowledge which is the opposite of Al-Zann (the conjecture) Allah says that most people follow conjectures (al-zann) or wild speculations. Were you to follow the common run of those on earth, they will lead you away from the Way of Allah. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but surmise.  [34]  These are nothing but names which you have devised  µ you and your fathers for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire! And indeed there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord.  [35]  But they have no knowledge about it. They follow nothing but conjecture; and conjecture avails nothing against Truth.  [36]   When people do not follow Allahs guidance (al-Huda) they end up in error and go astray (al-dhalal). They wander. Today the humanity is in error (al-dhalal). There is corruption every where. There are those who do not know what is wrong and there are those who know what is wrong but they do wrong things. There are those who know what is right and they do not do right things. The whole world is sick with godlessness, immorality, racism, violence, injustice and oppression. The humanity needs Gods guidance. We human beings have mind, soul and body. We live as individuals and in families and communities. We are confronted with life and death. We need a religion that satisfies all our needs and answers all our questions and queries. Islam, if put to practice, satisfies our minds and souls and takes care of our physical needs. Islam, if translated into actions, brings balance between our individual needs and our social and collective concerns. Islam, if our profession is put to practice, provides success, felicity and happiness in this life and salvation in the eternal life. Islam is the religion that is based on the true natural disposition or Fitrah of human beings. Islam culminates in the most authentic form the same religion that Allah gave to all His Prophets and Messengers. In brief Islam offers to humanity: A clear, simple, sound and profound belief system and Guidance. A balanced action plan, with clear principles that are suitable for all times and places. A universal outlook with a worldwide community of believers and brotherhood of the faithful. A clear and practical vision for success and happiness in here and salvation in the Hereafter. Let us elaborate these points a little further. A clear, simple, sound and profound belief system and Guidance a- Oneness of Allah: This is the most logical, rational and spiritual belief. It is simple, yet ultimate truth and desire of all human beings. Islam teaches that Allah is One, the Lord, Master, Creator with Most Beautiful Names and Attributes. b- The Message of Islam is presented in a Book, the Quran. This book is most authentic. Nothing in this Book is falsified with the advancement of science technology or our knowledge in general. Its message is clear and always fresh and contemporary. c- With the message and the Book there is a human personality who is not mythological but historical. He was the ideal human being who lived the message and presented it to the people in the most beautiful and loving way. Islam is Allahs guidance; it is He who has guided us to this way. Guidance is one of the most important themes of the Quran. The Quran tells us that Allah created everything and He has guided everything: Our Lord is He Who gave to each (created) thing its form, and further, He gave (it) guidance.  [37]  Glorify the name of your Lord, Most High, Who created, then shaped in proper proportion; and he determined the way, then He granted guidance. (al-Ala 87:1-3)  [38]   Allah has guided every thing by fixing its nature and ability. To human beings he also granted moral and spiritual guidance through His Prophets and Messengers. Islamic guidance is for all humanity. Allahs guidance is for all people, in all places and at all times. Islam is the way to which Allah guided all human beings. This religion did not begin with Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him. Islamic guidance is the same that came with the first couple of humanity when they arrived on this earth. When Allah sent Adam and Eve to this earth He told them: We said: Get down you all from here: and if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.'  [39]   Messengers and Prophets of Allah at different times and in different parts of the world received this guidance. This same guidance came to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses and to Jesus and then finally it came to Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him and upon all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah. Allah says: That was the reasoning about Us, which We gave to Abraham (to use) against his people: We raise whom We will, degree after degree: for your Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge. We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron: thus do We reward those who do good: And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the Righteous: And Ismail and Elisha, and Jonah, and Lot: and to all We gave favor above the nations: (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and We guided them to a straight Way. This is the Guidance of Allah: He gives that guidance to whom He pleases of His servants. If they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them. These were those whom We gave the Book, and Authority, and Prophethood: if these (their descendants) reject them, behold! We shall entrust their charge to a new People who reject them not. Those were the (prophets) who received Allahs guidance: follow the guidance they received; say: No reward for this do I ask of you: this is not but a reminder for the worlds.  [40]   Allah has given us many sources for guidance. Five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch all these guide us in our life and help us a great deal. It may be observed that the Quran has emphasized the eyes, the ears, the hand heart as the main sources of knowledge. Eyes stand for observational empirical knowledge. Our ears stand for collective heritage of human kind. Our head is the source while our knowledge matures we draw inferences for the future. Heart is the recipient of wisdom values. It is the core of our being. Reason: It is a gift of Allah. He gave human beings reason (Aql) and made the Aql as a condition for all responsibilities. Reason and intellect help us in finding the right direction. Intuition: Sometime we know things and are guided by our instincts feelings without using senses or reason. Revelation: This is the supreme and perfect source of guidance. It is a special gift of Allah that He gave to humanity through His chosen beings people who were the Prophets of Allah. In Islam all these sources are recognized and respected. We thank Allah for our senses and consider them Allahs gifts. Islam is not against reason. Reason and revelation are not mutually contradictory but are mutually complimentary in Islam. Science and religion are also not incompatible in Islam. Islam does not say that we should suspend reason or dismiss science in order to become good believers. However, Islam does emphasize that our senses, our reason, and our intuitions or instincts though necessary are not sufficient sources to guide us. We need divine revelation Prophetic guidance. Reason by itself, without the guidance of revelation, is prone to commit errors. Reason, senses or intuitions cannot guide us in metaphysical eschatological matters, which provide us the true anchorage to our moral spiritual life. We need divine guidance. Allahs guidance is the real guidance: Say: The Guidance of Allah, that is the (true) Guidance. Were you to follow their desires- after the knowledge which has reached you,- then you would find neither Protector nor Helper against Allah.  [41]   Balanced Action Plan: This action plan takes care of the individual, family and society. Its guidance is comprehensive, practical and balanced. It guides: a- In the matters of worship to establish deep and loving relationship with Allah. b- In ethics and morality it teaches discipline, moderation, virtue and goodness. c- Laws and rules it gives rules that are practical, dynamic and progressive. The rules are not rigid. They are practical and their purpose is not to burden us but to guard guide us. Islamic law gives us the knowledge, of our fundamental rights and obligations and of what is good and bad for humanity on the individual and collective levels. Thus the Islamic view of life consists of a set of rights and obligations by which Muslims are expected to follow. Broadly speaking, Islamic law deals with our life in terms of our relationship with our Creator, ourselves (our rights upon ourselves), other people, and our natural environment (the rights of the resources that God has given to us for our benefit).  [42]   Muslims are urged to perform their daily prayers in congregation, and must do the same for the Friday noon congregational prayer. This creates a bond of love and mutual understanding, arouses a sense of collective unity, fosters a collective purpose, and inculcates a deep feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood. Prayers are a symbol of equality, for poor and rich, low and high, rulers and ruled, educated and uneducated, black and white all stand in rows and prostrate before their Lord. Furthermore, this gives a strong sense of collective discipline and obedience to the communitys leader. Prayers train Muslims in those virtues that engender the development of a rich individual and collective life.  [43]   Islam regards human beings as Gods vicegerents and cannot tolerate the degradation brought on by their submission to humiliation or oppression, for Islam is the real way to freedom and liberation. It invites people to struggle against oppression and tyranny for their freedom and dignity. By prostrating before God, Muslims declare that they bow to no other power. Islam forbids serfdom; promises universal freedom, independence in thought, action, property, and religion; and safeguards a persons integrity, honor, and dignity.  [44]   Islam frees people from their lusts so that sensual pleasure does not tempt and corrupt them. Consuming intoxicants and engaging in gambling, nightclubs, mixed social activities, overspending, conspicuous consumption, arrogance, greed, and so on are all humiliating factors that destroy a persons honor and dignity. Colonialists and imperialists used such practices to enslave Muslims and many other peoples. Only the daily prayer and other forms of worship, such as alms-giving (zakat), inculcate the will to struggle against self-degradation.  [45]   Universal Outlook: Islam is not racist or ethnocentric. It teaches that all human beings are equal. It removes the barriers of nationalism, color, caste or language. It is against all discriminations and prejudices. It teaches justice for all people. It teaches peace and tolerance, freedom of opinion and expression. Islam establishes a worldwide community of faith and brotherhood. Islam is a word derived from the root words Silm and Salamah. It means surrendering, guiding to peace and contentment, and establishing security and accord. Islam is a religion of security, safety, and peace. These principles permeate the lives of Muslims. When Muslims stand to pray, they cut their connection with this world, turning to their Lord in faith and obedience, and standing at attention in His presence. Completing the prayer, as if they were returning back to life, they greet those on their right and left by wishing peace: Remain safe and in peace. With a wish for safety and security, peace and contentment, they return to the ordinary world once again. Greeting and wishing safety and security for others is considered one of the most beneficial acts in Islam. When asked which act in Islam is the most beneficial, the Prophet (PBUH) replied, Feeding others and greeting those you know and those you do not know. How unfortunate it is that Islam, which is based on this understanding and spirit, is shown by some circles to be synonymous with terrorism. This is a grave historical mistake; wrapping a system based on safety and trust in a veil of terrorism just shows that the spirit of Islam remains unknown. If one were to seek the true face of Islam in its own sources, history, and true representatives, then one would discover that it contains no harshness, cruelty, or fanaticism. It is a religion of forgiveness, pardon, and tolerance, as such saints and princes of love and tolerance as Rumi, Yunus Emre, Ahmed Yesevi, Bedià ¼zzaman  [46]  and many others have so beautifully expressed. They spent their lives preaching tolerance, and each became a legend in his own time as an embodiment of love and tolerance. Jihad can be a matter of self-defense or of removing obstacles between God and human free choice. Our history is full of examples that show how this principle has been implemented in life. Of course there are and should be occasions where war is unavoidable. However, the Quranic verses on jihad that were revealed for particular conditions have been generalized by some short-sighted individuals. Whereas in actual fact war is a matter of secondary importance, it has been given priority as an essential iss

Many including Dowshen believe

There is no clear definition of what binge drinking as it is often defined as the process of â€Å" drinking heavily over several days† (Dowshen). However, it is now commonly associated with the drinking of alcohol in heavy amounts and over a very short period of time. (Dowshen).The above definition clearly indicates that apparently binge drinking is only related to the heavy consumption of alchol for a shorter period of time however on the much deeper grounds, this problem outlines many social as well as psychological issues as many argue that binge drinking can be a result of poor relations of the children with their parents specially mothers.Whether, this assumption is true or not, one cleary have to consider whether the rift between the relations of mother and child can lead children to a point where children can involve themselves into such activities. This essay will discuss the possibility of whether the binge drinking is a result of poor mother child relations or not? Mother Child Relations Many including Dowshen believe that kids binge drink because many liquor stores as well as beverages companies create such an image where drinking seems to be a very fascinating activity.Since children, at their raw ages, still cope to learn and accommodate themselves with the society therefore consider drinking as one of the means to associate themselves with the very society within which they live. However, there is a much darker side to this fact also which shots back into the very psychology and upbringing of the children. Numerous studies have clearly established a link between the child maltreatment and the binge drinking and multiple mal-treatments make this behavior complicated and an obvious choice for children to binge drink. (Shin, Edwards and Heeren).Since it is a strong possibility that one of the sources of the child mistreatment is mothering therefore the relations between the child and mother are also one of the biggest contributors towards the culmination of addictive behavior into the children including binge drinking. It is also important to note that the mother child relations are largely depending upon the relative degree of care for the child however, when children face neglect in their childhood at the hands of their parents specially mothers, the negative and addictive behaviors start to emerge into the children which lead them to binge drinking.The studies conducted by Shin, Edwards and Heeren clearly established that link between the neglect and the binge drinking. There can be various reasons for the poor relations between mother and child as early neglect, heavy alcoholism by the parents themselves as well as low income and education result into either voluntary or involuntary rift into the relations between the mother and the child and such behaviors finally resurrect in the form of heavy episodic drinking by the children at their adolescent age.What is also shocking is the fact that addictive drinking by the mothers during their pregnancy can lead to the binge drinking habits into the teens from very early age. (Harshman). Conclusion Studies indicate that poor relations between the mother and child can lead teens to binge drinking habits and as such can impair their ability to progress well into their lives. Works Cited 1. Dowshen, Steven. â€Å"Binge Drinking? † August 2006. Teens Health. 23 March 2009 . 2. Harshman, Cara. â€Å"Study: Mothers’ drinking after child’s birth can be dangerous. † 22 Oct 2007. The Badger Herald. 23 March 2009 . 3. Shin, Sunny Hyucksun, Erika M Edwards and Timothy Heeren. â€Å"Child abuse and neglect: Relations to adolescent binge drinking in the national longitudinal study of Adolescent Health (AddHealth) Study. † Addictive Behaviors 34. 3 (2009): 277-280.

Personal Org Ethics Case Study Four: A South African Investment Assignment Essay

The field of business is one of the areas in society wherein people involve in it have to make important decisions almost everyday in their jobs. Most of the time, decisions have to be made immediately especially with the competitive nature of the business industry. In relation to this, since most companies is a source of employment to thousands and sometimes even millions of people, the decisions made by the administration of organizations affects numerous people. Moreover, the influence of companies especially of multinational corporations has tremendous impact in the society that could actually inflict change upon them. This situation is greatly applicable in the case of the South African Investment. Texaco and Standard Oil, presently known as Chevron are the two major stockholders in the Caltex Petroleum Company. Each company owns 50 percent of the total stocks of Caltex. The company has dealings with the South African Government as the country is the primary source of oil that allows them to produce various petroleum products. In the same manner, South Africa also largely benefits from foreign investors because they contribute a huge portion to the country’s income. Caltex is the largest American company that invested in the country. Being the case, the company has a vital position in the economic robustness in the company and their decisions and actions would greatly affect the situation of the country. In line with this, advocate groups wants to use this strategic position of the company in order to further their cause of eradicating or at the very least addressing the issue of apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid allows the white minority of the country to dominate the majority of the citizens, which are mostly blacks. In this situation, the whites hold the advantageous position with the resources and power at their side, which leaves the blacks as second class citizens that have to suffer unfair and unjust treatments (â€Å"A South African Investment†). In 1977, the administration decided to expand the operation of Caltex in South Africa. They planned on building a plant that would further enhance the production of the company. However, this was met by protests coming from some members of the board that belong to the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. This group greatly advocates anti-apartheid causes and one way in order to reach this objective is by convincing the Texaco and Standard Oil to pull out its investment in South Africa. Based upon my judgment, the utilitarian benefits of the expansion of Caltex is more important during that time as compared to the possible violation of moral rights. Utilitarianism focuses on the outcomes of an action. A decision or action is perceived to be ethically justifiable when it gave greater amount of benefit for the most people concerned (National Endowment for Financial Education, 2006). In the case of the Caltex plant expansion I deem that this would have more benefits rather than costs. First of all, the establishment of foreign companies in South Africa also helped improve the situation of the black population. This is observable in the improvement of the real earnings of black industrial workers that also aid in the lessening the gap between the white and black incomes. The expansion of Caltex would actually further enhance these benefits for the black people. Furthermore, if Caltex would removed its investment from the country it would hardly effect the black majority since all the benefits they from the foreign company would be lost. On the other hand, there is still a possible violation of moral rights as well as injustices against the blacks. This could be proven by the fact that even though adhere to the Sullivan code that would further improve the situation of blacks and uphold their rights it is still not binding since it still have to work within the South African law. The government of South Africa implements laws that have separate facilities for whites and blacks as well as the unequal pay among their citizens. Even though there are possible violations of human rights against the blacks from the expansion of Caltex, not pursuing the plan would even make life difficult for the blacks because even their source of livelihood coming from this company would no longer exist. Not only would they cease to have equal political rights but they will no longer have the means to sustain their everyday needs that is also essential for them to live. If I were in the position of one of the stockholders of either Texaco or Chevron, I will have different positions on the three resolutions that were presented. My decision would be guided by the maximum amount of benefit that my stocks and the company would gain from the decisions. Moreover, I would also think of the welfare of the majority of the stakeholders involved. On the first resolution, I would vote against the proposal of terminating Caltex operations on South Africa. I deem that ceasing operations in the country would bring detrimental effects to the company because the oil obtain from the country has an important role in the robustness of the company. In relation to this, it would also affect numerous people who would lose their jobs, which includes the black workers in South Africa. Moreover, such action would not make any substantial change in the issue of apartheid since there are still other foreign investors in the country and the government has other means to survive even if Caltex terminate its operation. I would also vote against the second resolution that requires Caltex not to sell its oil products to the police and military of South Africa. Based upon the South African law, refusing to cater petroleum products to the armed forces of the country is a clear violation of the law. As such, violating this rule would clearly put Caltex in a disadvantageous position that could threaten the operation of the company in the country as well in other nations. It could also be the cause for the unemployment of large numbers of its workers. Another reason is that doing so might only put the blacks’ citizens in a bad situation because the government might further exploit the blacks especially during such time of crisis for the country. Contrary to my previous positions, I would vote in favor of the third resolution that would ask the South African government to implement the Tutu principles. Caltex has established its important role in South Africa especially during the time when OPEC established an oil embargo in the country. As such, Caltex has the capability impose demands upon the South African government and they could do so by asking the implementation of the Tutu principle. This is a good way to improve the situation of the blacks in a sound and legal manner. There is a huge possibility that the South African government would grant it especially if they would analyze the situation that they are in. South Africa has a lot to lose if they would have conflict with Caltex while they are facing a challenging situation. By approving this resolution, many stakeholders would benefit from it, not only the blacks but also the company since they would have better relationship with those who advocate anti-apartheid issues and this could also boost their image of addressing societal issues. The managers of Texaco and Chevron should respond to these resolutions in a manner by which they would take into account the maximum benefit that all stakeholders could achieve from the decision. Being the case, they should also vote against the two resolutions and approved of the last. The managers should respond in such way because doing so would be beneficial to the majority of the people involve and this would also address the social issue of apartheid. Lastly, the management has a responsibility in making sure that the whole operation of its business is running smoothly. Their concerns should not solely be based upon the high income returns because they would not achieve such if they do not address the problems that are affecting their business. In line with this, they should not only look at the law and the rate of returns in deciding where to put their investments. They should also give due importance to the social and political situations of the country or a certain place that they would invest in. This is due to the fact that these factors play an important role in the overall success of a business. The important role that most companies have, not only in the business field but also in the society should be use properly so that they could also be agents of positive change in the world.

Homelessness And The Streets Of New Haven - 1399 Words

The problem of homelessness in New Haven has left many children wandering around the street. Over the past few years, a significant number of children have been spotted in the streets and this has resulted in increased crime cases. Most of these children are students as the school districts have identified quite a number of homeless students in Connecticut. Apart from the problem of homelessness, dropping out of schools is also a leading cause of increased number of children in New Haven’s streets. This paper provides in-depth discussion on the number of children in the streets of New Haven, and also some of the proposed programs meant to keep these children off the streets. The Population of Children in the Streets of New Haven Notably, increased number of children in the streets of New Haven is as a result of the problem of homelessness in Connecticut and also increase in the number of children dropping out of school. About a third of homeless children spotted in Connecticut are from New Britain and New Haven with approximately three hundred and twenty seven coming from New Haven. Notably, the number of street children in New Haven has decreased following the fact that the school district heightened its efforts to identify the problem and address the issue this issue accordingly. Some school districts play a significant role in ensuring that homeless children are catered for and their needs met. However, there are some school districts that are reluctant to help as theyShow MoreRelatedA Sociological Perspective On Homelessness1587 Words   |  7 PagesCurrently, the rates of homelessness in America continue to drastically increase. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (2012) depicted how m any people are homeless in a single night in America. The findings revealed that there were approximately 633,782 people who are homeless in America or 20 out of every 10,000. 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One of the first things that many people from tourists to new residents notice when enteri ng Austin from I-35 is the homeless camp under the bridge. It’s certainly an eye catching scene, yet almost everyone forgets about it once it’s out of their peripheral vision. I, for one, felt dejected seeing such a somber scenery, yet when upon driving to a new vicinity, I’d forgotten all about it. Maybe it was my own way of coping with the fact that there were peopleRead MoreLos Angeles Is A Problem For American Society1432 Words   |  6 PagesSkid Row starts in 1880 and continues until 1930 to serve the Los Angeles worker population; as the article â€Å"History of Skid Row† explains better by stating: â€Å"People escaping war and difficult conditions in other places came to Los Angeles to start a new life. More and more people came year after year, so in 1930 there were around ten thousand homeless in Los Angeles. Skid Row started as cheap housing and homes for seasonal laborers but then alcoholics, drug addicts, refugees and homeless came to stayRead MoreHomelessness: A Community Problem1723 Words   |  7 PagesThe idea of homelessness is not an effortlessly characterized term. While the normal individual comprehends the essential thought of vagrancy, analysts in the sociological field have connected conflicting definitions to the idea of homelessness, justifiably so as the thought includes a measurement more exhaustive than a peculiar meaning of a single person without living arrangement. Homelessness embodies a continuum running from the nonappearance of a changeless safe house to poor living courses