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"If Allah is your supporter,
none can overcome you; and if He withdraws His support from you, who
is there who can help you? In Allah let believers put their
trust." [Qur'an, 3: 160]
The humanity remains a victim of
injustice, aggression and barbarity since the time in memory. The
forms, methods and the degrees of atrocities by man against his-own
kind have varied through history, but not the primary motivation.
Behaviorally, man still lives in the dark ages and continues to
subject himself to the animal side of his personality traits and
suppresses his moral instincts that urge him to conduct himself rather
humanely. It is only science, technology, means of mass destruction,
and the like that have advanced. On one hand, the improved modes of
transportation and communication have shrunk this world into a global
village, on the other, the people of the world are divided into the
"First world" and the "Third World." The two
worlds are a gulf-apart due to the non-existence of the "Second
world." The criteria, primarily the affluence and poverty, which
define these camps of nations are painfully appalling even to think of
at the dawn of the 21st century. A constant dehumanization of people
in many parts of the world through deplorable economic conditions,
violation of human rights and civil liberties, occupation and
political repression, and deprivation of freedom of association is
contradictory to all claims of the free world, democracy and
modernity.
Astoundingly, in this day and
age, all human miseries are self-created and by design. This world is
big enough and has plenty to go around. The problem is not just an
unfair and skewed distribution of economic resources but, in a larger
context, it is an obstruction of opportunities to excel and enrich
societies that the human potential and endeavors are otherwise capable
to do. Consequently, all institutions of human development - social,
economic, educational, and political - are flawed or non-functional
or, in many cases, aren't simply there in many societies. There is no
injustice conceivably more serious against human civilization than
depriving people of the tools they need to build themselves up.
The total disarray that the
human-race faces today is contrary to the Islamic vision of humanity
and the creation itself. Under this universal vision, the entire human
population on this planet is considered as one extended family, whose
members are off springs of the same parents. With the passage of time,
of course, it was inevitable that countless families, tribes, nations
and a variety ways of living should emerge all around the world. In
this way alone could members of an extended family distinguish
themselves and, at the same time, develop a common way of life and
cooperate with each other in worldly affairs. This natural way is a
cardinal truth: "O mankind, We created you from one man and one
woman, and then divided you into nations and tribes so that you may
recognize one another..." [Q, 49: 13] Consistent with this truth,
an order has been established by the Creator for continual growth of
civilization, which must not be disturbed after it has been set
aright: "Do not create chaos on earth after it has been set in
order and call your Lord with fear and with hope…" [Q, 7:56]
Ironically, however, the human
attributes that were designed to provide the needed strength through
diversity and variations for the enrichment of human civilization have
been diverted defiantly to do just the opposite. Man has created
nothing but chaos everywhere: "Mischief has appeared in the land
and the sea on account of man's own doings…" [Q, 30:41] Man's
wickedness, oppression and tyranny inevitably transpire in human
conduct as a result of ignoring the laws of the nature and the concept
of accountability. The root cause of the disorder in the world is that
man (individually or collectively) becomes unresponsive to the order
of his Creator by giving himself up to his greed and contemporary
pressures rather than building his morality, society and culture. This
corruption is not inherent in the system, though, but has been
injected into it by the follies of the evildoers for selfish and
wrongful purposes.
Greed and jealousy - the thorns
that tear the social fabric apart - lead to an unjust attitude of
selectivity. A person (or a group) suffering from this disease, when
finds an opportunity, distinguishes himself from others by using dual
standards. In his mind, others don't deserve what he does and he is
above the rules that the others must be subjected to. He reinvents the
rules when they interfere with his goals and thrives at the expense of
the weaker. He is jealous and enraged at the success and happiness of
others. Adam's son killed his younger brother because he was not
satisfied with what was determined for him under the divine order.
Instead, he wanted to have what was given to his brother. He became
the pioneer in transgressing against his own kind - a tradition that
continues to-date.
The absolute truth is only one.
There is only one way to reset the correct order and establish a just
society, and that is to accept the sovereignty of the Creator and
subject our conduct to His rules. A just society is a state of no
conflicts. That state is reached when the rights and obligations of
individuals in a socio-economic unit are recognized and delivered. A
just state is also a peaceful one; the converse is not necessarily
true. The purpose of the teachings of every Messenger of Allah, in
every age and clime, was none other than instituting such a society
under the Divine Order (also known as Islam): "The True order of
life with Allah is Islam…" [Q, 3:19] The various religions,
which have spread among mankind, are distortions and tempering with
the original one. Unjustly coveting privileges over and above those to
which they were entitled, people altered the beliefs, principles and
injunctions of the true religion to suit their own interests; thus,
leading to chaos and disruption.
The universal message of Islam,
over which no entity has a monopoly, is for the well being of mankind.
It is based on a simple but profound ideology - 'One Sovereign
Creator,' which is consistent with human rationality and physical
evidence. Briefly, sovereignty means that the Creator shares power
with none; is complete within Himself, does not depend on anyone, yet
others depend on Him; and most importantly, everybody is accountable
to Him and He is accountable to none: "…your Lord is One Lord;
so submit yourselves to Him alone…" [Q, 22: 34]
Tragically, despite the
tremendous appeal and universality of this ideology that can anchor
the entire human-race together, it is seen as a threat by many because
accepting the Sovereignty of Allah means that 'the business will not
be as usual'. Those who have devised many other systems to wheel power
and pursue special interests by exploiting others will have to loosen
up their economic and political strangle, change the status quo, and
subject themselves to the scrutiny and accountability by their
Creator. Of course, it is too much for those who have been taken over
by their own desires; hence, they must oppose it by all means they can
muster. The opposition put forth by the establishment to the
invitation of Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and Esa
(Jesus), for example, was precisely for the same reason. The Prophet
Muhammad (s) was no exception.
A campaign of defaming Islam is
not a new phenomenon. Many have made their careers out of this
malicious campaign. In fact, they have done a great disservice to
people through intellectual dishonesty of fabrications, accusations
and scare for personal gains. As the steaks get higher, the opposition
becomes more aggressive, organized and even institutionalized. The
distortion and vilification of Islam has reached a new level,
particularly during the second half of the past century. The news
media, the entertainment film industry, the politicians, the
orientalists, the newspaper and magazine columnists, the radio talk
hosts, the opinion makers, the clergies, and the TV experts on just
about everything by night have made a tremendous effort to discredit
Islam and mislead the uninformed people, who are basically innocent.
They are joined together by a common interest and urge. They have
access to the airwaves and/or print and possess manipulative skills.
No question, many twisted- minded Muslim have also contributed fuel to
the fire by acting irresponsibly against the teachings of Islam, yet
carrying its banner. They have played in the hands of their
adversaries and defeated their own purpose.
It seems to be an uphill battle
to counter the tactics of those who have joined forces against Islam.
But, what is new? That's the way the history has been. To the one, who
has acknowledged the Sovereignty of Allah and believes in the
accountability by Him, Islam means stand firm and keep doing the right
things against all odds. Every challenge presents a new opportunity to
do something good for the benefit of the society: "Goodness and
evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is best. You will see he,
with whom you have enmity, will become your best friend." [Q,
41:34] If the true peace and well being of humanity is the cause, and
the pleasure of Allah (s) is the only motivation, then there is no
limit to the degree of hardship and perseverance one must be willing
to endure. There is a renewed interest in Islam, particularly in
societies where people are now finding out that they have been misled
by the interest groups for many years. Muslims must rise to the
occasion and respond responsibly. In Islam, the victory is not to win
a battle; it is a determined and sustained pursuit of excellence till
the end. The reward from Allah is on the effort, not the result.
But first, Muslims have to put
their own acts together. They must rebuild their trust in Allah. There
is no room for despair in Islam; it is against the Iman (faith):
"…do not despair of Allah's mercy…[Q, 39:53] Allah helps when
there is no help in sight. He saved Prophet Ibrahim in the fire and
Prophet Musa and his followers when they were caught between the Red
Sea and the Pharaoh's army. Recall when the Prophet Muhammad (s) was
taking shelter in a cave with his companion, Abu Bakr, and the enemy
was about to spot them out, Allah repeats what the Prophet said at
that time: "…Be not distressed: indeed Allah is with us. Then
Allah sent down peace of mind to him from Himself, and helped him with
the forces you did not see…" [Q, 9:40] The trust in Allah is
rebuilt by adhering to His commands and the teachings of the Prophet
(s) with full devotion and commitment and by remaining focused on the
purpose: "And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not enter into
disputes with one another, otherwise you will lose courage and will
become insignificant. Practice fortitude; indeed Allah is with those
who practice fortitude. [Q, 8:46]
They must understand what the
perspective of life in Islam is. It is a test: "We have created
man …to test him; so … We have shown him the way whether he be
grateful or ungrateful." [Qur'an 76: 2-3]
Every scenario we encounter is a
test question and must be answered with a sense of accountability by
Allah (s). It is temporary: "This life of the world is but a
pastime and a game. The home of the Hereafter - that is life…".
[Q, 29: 64] That is, here no position permanent in this world. Whether
a king or a janitor, both will leave empty handed; only the deeds will
remain recorded for scrutiny. It is deceptive: "O People of the
world… don't let the life of this world deceive you… Satan (devil)
is your enemy; so, treat him as your enemy… [Q, 35: 5-6] Its
possessions can be converted into permanent assets: "Wealth and
children are an ornament of life of the world. But the good deeds,
which endure are better in the sight of your Lord for reward, and
better in respect of hope." [Qur'an 18: 46] If the wealth of this
world is used in a righteous way and the children are raised with good
discipline, these worldly ornament can become permanent investment
into the next life.
This perspective of life gives
believer a dependable source of strength. After he has done his part,
things beyond him are from Allah. He lives a life of reconciliation
rather a constant clash with the conditions that evolve around him;
and this will be the state he will rise in the next life: "Thus,
through a firm word, Allah grants firmness to the believers both un
this world and in the Hereafter…" [Q,14:27] The 'good word'
provides believers a firm intellectual frame of reference, a stable
perspective, and an all-embracing world-view. In this view: 'The
happiness is in doing your duty.'
What is important for a
successful life on earth is a balance that must be struck between hope
and caution. The Prophet (s) has advised that work for this world as
if you are going to live forever; and prepare for the Hereafter as if
you are going to die tomorrow. In summary, a Muslim must live in this
physical world with moral excellence and strive to reach the highest
level of perfection possible.
June
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July 2002
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