I seek truth over a lie; I seek justice over injustice; I seek

"I seek truth over a lie; I seek justice over injustice; I seek righteousness over the rewards of evildoers, and I love Allah more than I love the state." These words, spoken by the powerful H. Rap Brown, are a clarion call to all who seek to live with integrity, to choose what is right over what is easy, and to place higher ideals above the fleeting rewards of a corrupt and oppressive world. In these words, Brown expresses the heart of a revolutionary spirit—a spirit that refuses to bow before the forces of falsehood, injustice, and evil. His words resonate with the wisdom of the ancients, who, like Socrates and Plato, sought to define a life of virtue, one rooted in the pursuit of truth, justice, and righteousness. But Brown’s message goes further: he calls not only for personal integrity but for a rejection of any system or state that perpetuates oppression and falsehood, especially when such systems stand in opposition to divine truth and righteousness.

To understand Brown’s powerful message, we must first acknowledge the truth—a force that, like the sun, illuminates all that is hidden and reveals the true nature of things. Truth is not merely an abstract concept or intellectual exercise; it is a force of profound transformation, capable of tearing down the walls of deception and allowing for the creation of a just and righteous society. In a world that is often consumed by lies, it takes great courage to seek the truth, especially when that truth exposes the corruption and injustice of those in power. For Brown, the pursuit of truth is not optional; it is the foundation upon which all actions must be based, especially when the world around us is built upon falsehood.

Justice is equally central to this vision. In Brown’s eyes, justice is not a mere legal concept defined by the state, but a divine ideal that must transcend the laws of men. The state, with all its power and authority, often stands in direct opposition to the truth and justice that individuals seek to uphold. Throughout history, those in power have crafted systems designed to protect their own interests, often at the expense of justice and truth. Think of the countless empires and governments that have oppressed the weak and marginalized in the name of maintaining control. Yet, just as Socrates refused to obey the unjust laws of Athens, Brown refuses to bow to any state or authority that perpetuates injustice. Justice, for Brown, is not defined by the state, but by higher principles—principles that are rooted in truth and righteousness.

The quest for righteousness is the natural extension of this pursuit. Righteousness is not simply an individual matter; it is a call to live in harmony with the truth and the justice that are inherent in the universe. It is the inner compass that guides the soul to act with integrity, to resist the temptations of evil, and to reject the false rewards offered by those who thrive on injustice. The rewards of evildoers, those who gain power and wealth through deceit and exploitation, may seem enticing, but they are fleeting and ultimately empty. The true reward lies in living a life of righteousness, even when it is difficult, even when it leads to personal sacrifice. Brown understands that righteousness does not seek the rewards of evil, but the inner peace and fulfillment that come from standing in alignment with divine principles.

Brown’s love for Allah above all else is a reflection of a deep spiritual commitment that transcends the material world. In saying that he loves Allah more than the state, Brown places his loyalty to divine truth and moral righteousness above the interests of any earthly power. His devotion is not to the fleeting rewards of the material world, nor to the oppressive systems of government, but to the eternal, transcendent truth embodied in the divine. In doing so, he reminds us of the words of the great prophets, who, like Muhammad, faced the corruption and oppression of their own societies with a commitment to a higher calling—a calling that transcended the petty interests of the rulers and the wealthy. Their love for truth and justice was their guiding light, and they were willing to sacrifice everything to uphold these ideals.

The lesson in Brown’s words is one of profound courage and spiritual depth. In a world where truth is often obscured, where injustice reigns, and where the rewards of the wicked seem all too real, we must choose to live in alignment with the higher principles of righteousness and divine truth. We must stand firm in our conviction, as Socrates and Mandela did, even when it is difficult, even when the world around us is telling us to accept the lies, the injustice, and the corruption. In doing so, we honor not only the moral truths of the world but our deeper connection to the divine.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: where do our loyalties lie? Do we seek truth even when it challenges our comfort or status? Do we choose justice over the false rewards of a system that perpetuates inequality and oppression? Brown calls us to love the divine truth more than the false promises of worldly power. We must live with courage and conviction, choosing righteousness over compromise, truth over lies, and justice over the exploitation of the weak. By doing so, we not only change the world around us but align ourselves with the higher calling that Brown so deeply revered. Truth and righteousness are not just ideals—they are the path to true freedom and peace.