Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Professor Madiemba Faal, a respected Senegalese philosopher and public intellectual, recently delivered a sobering reminder that resonates far beyond Senegal’s borders. Speaking in Wolof on social media, he declared that good people—decent, God-fearing people—do not waste their time plotting the downfall of others.
His message is simple yet profound: a person of integrity does not find joy in the misfortune of another. Instead of scheming, backbiting, or harboring jealousy, we are called to build—not to break. For Professor Faal, plotting against someone is not only unwise—it is ungodly.
This reflection comes at a critical moment. Across The Gambia and the wider region, rising political, social, and even familial tensions have given rise to a culture where envy and rivalry often trump collaboration and goodwill.
The temptation to undermine others—or to destroy what we did not help build—has crept into our institutions, communities, and homes.
But Professor Faal’s call is clear: stay in your lane. Focus on your growth. Compete with dignity. And let others rise too.
Scriptural Lessons from the Qur’an
The Qur’an recounts the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), deeply loved by his father and bitterly envied by his brothers:
“They said, ‘Kill Joseph or cast him out to some land so that your father’s attention will be only ours…’”
(Surah Yusuf 12:9)
Though they plotted against him, Yusuf was uplifted by divine grace—rising from a pit to a palace, from prisoner to Prime Minister.
“But Allah is the best of planners.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:21)
The message is clear: those who scheme may seem to win in the short term, but divine justice always has the final word.
Elsewhere, the Qur’an cautions:
“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion. Indeed, some suspicion is sin. And do not spy or backbite one another...”
(Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12)
Such behaviors are not marks of righteousness—they are signs of spiritual weakness and insecurity.
Biblical Wisdom on Jealousy and Plotting
The Bible echoes these teachings:
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.”
(Proverbs 26:27)
And in Galatians:
“If you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”
(Galatians 5:15)
When competition turns toxic, communities collapse. When envy replaces grace, we all lose.
The Book of Esther gives us the unforgettable tale of Haman and Mordecai. Haman, driven by jealousy, built gallows to hang his rival.
In the end, he was executed on the very structure he had prepared for someone else. The lesson endures: ill intentions often return to the sender.
Historical Warnings Against Betrayal
History offers its own harsh truths. Brutus, who betrayed Julius Caesar believing he was saving the Republic, instead unleashed chaos and tyranny. The conspirators, rather than being remembered as heroes, became eternal symbols of betrayal.
Betrayal may serve short-term goals, but it carries a long-term moral cost. It shatters trust and erodes the very foundations of a just society.
A Moral Reflection for Today
So we must ask ourselves – echoing Professor Faal’s challenge:
Are we builders or breakers?
Do we light the path for others or dim their way?
Do we compete with grace or with malice?
In today’s world—where gossip is disguised as news, and rivalry often overshadows reason—we must reclaim the values that once defined us: humility, patience, honesty, and respect.
We must teach our children that success is not a pie with only one slice. Someone else’s rise does not mean your fall. True leadership is not about crushing others—it’s about creating space for many to shine.
Let us remind the next generation that strength lies not in sabotage, but in sincerity and steadfastness.
The Path Forward
The future of our country—and our region—will not be built on plots or grudges. It will be built on the quiet moral strength of its people.
Let us be remembered not for the ladders we pulled, but for the lives we lifted.
Let our legacy be grace—not grievance.
Let history remember us as builders—not plotters.
