To
understand the essence of Islam is to understand the very essence of
humanity. More than a religion, Islam is a complete and comprehensive
way of life leading to a balanced way of living. Islam brings
civilization and happiness to man. Islamic principles and teachings can
provide realistic, fair and objective solutions to the prevention of
individual, familial, social and international problems which are
threatening the existence of human communities throughout the world.
A
spiritual belief that does not deal with social behavior, economic
relations and international organizations is as erroneous as the social
doctrine that does not consider spiritual belief, morality and behavior.
Such social doctrines are abortive attempts, incapable of total human
guidance or of achieving any coherence or accord among human beings.
Both
the individual and the society are in dire need of a belief that
accommodates and directs all their vital activities towards construction
and growth. When the individual and society adopt such a belief and
apply it to life, humanity can accomplish seemingly miraculous
achievements which can only occur when man unites himself with the
Eternal Power that channels his personality -potential in the right
direction.
History
has shown that Islam is unique in its ability to provide guidance for
the entire range of human activity. It does not separate spiritual and
secular life as unrelated entities.
Islam
integrates all domains of human life, just like the different systems
in the human body integrate to provide a complete human being. If one
system does not work properly, it has got to affect the whole body.
Likewise, Islam proposes systems of laws that integrate all parts of
human society to bring happiness and peace to all its members. There is
no other way or system that urges the active worship of Allaah in its
general and most comprehensive sense other than Islam. Fox example,
Islam teaches that Muslims should fast for a month every year (i.e.
Ramadan) in order to acquire piety and self-discipline and to develop
awareness of the needs and problems of others who are starving or are in
desperate need of food. Such an awareness of the needs of others is not
enough on its own. Therefore, Zakaah (obligatory charity) is prescribed
to be distributed among the segments of society that are in need of
individual and communal assistance.
A
very important universal concept in Islam is “Ummah” (Nation). Ummah
transcends all limitations implied by the term ‘nation’ by encompassing
all people regardless of race, color, or sex. Allaah emphasized this
great Islamic principle in the verse (which means);
"Mankind
was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allaah sent the
prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them
the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in
which they differed. And none differed over it [i.e. Scripture] except
those who were given it-after the clear proofs came to them-out of
jealous animosity among themselves. And Allaah guided those who believed
to the truth concerning that over which they had differed, by His
permission. And Allaah guides whom He wills to a straight path." [Quran 2:2 13]
Moreover,
Islam has a unique understanding for the concept of Ummah. Ummah is the
field for knowledge, ethics, government and positivism. Ummah in Islam
is a system in which people integrate, even if they belong to different
belief systems. It is a system of universal justice and peace that
accommodates everyone who believes in freedom of thinking and in calling
people to the truth-whether they are individuals or communities.
Indeed,
Ummah in Islam is an apparatus which is more advanced than that
developed by the West, the UN., or those apparatuses established by the
American-European block merely to bring about a “new world order,” but
which in reality often are geared only to maintain Western control over
Third World human and material resources.
The Prophet Muhammad proposed a constitution for the city of Madeenah during the first days of his emigration from Makkah. He
included the rights of both Jews and Christians, thereby safeguarding
their freedom and beliefs. History has never known a constitution that
represented minorities as this constitution of the Islamic state did.
Ummah as an Islamic concept will, Allaah willing, bring the advent of
universal peace as well as an internal social system. Ummah is the
field-ground for civilization to take place. Such an Ummah can be
integrated and united, if it derives its doctrines, constitutions,
morals, values and the whole perspective of life from the same united
source: belief in the only true Allaah. This is known as the concept of
Tawheed (Monotheism).
The
value systems of Western societies will continue to collapse, since
they are built on shifting grounds. The Sunday Times of London, in its
September 1994 issue, reported about a revolt by women against the
values prevailing in Britain: ‘‘British women seek new morality in its
religious affairs” correspondent Lesley Thomas stated.
According
to the report, this is not the case of British women who are favoring
Islam. “Thousands of British women are becoming Muslims in a trend that
baffles feminists and causes concern to Christians.” The report
continues that “of the estimated 10,000 British converts to Islam over
the past decade, most are single, educated women, doctors, college
lecturers and lawyers.” The educated in the west are beginning to see
that the “full” life is found only in Islam, the universal religion.
And
what about the present day Muslim world? Unfortunately, some “educated”
Muslims now pay only “lip-service” to Islam. They think that Islam is a
slogan to be raised or a word to be uttered. Islam is the way of life
that should be implemented in all spheres of life. These hypocrites have
forgottenthat Allaah dislikes those who brag about things that they do
not practice. When man’s deeds are not commensurate with their words,
their conduct is odious in the sight of Allaah.
"O
you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is
hatred in the sight of Allaah that you say what you do not do." [Quran 61:2-3]
May
Allaah let the Muslim World never forget that Islam provides a complete
and comprehensive way of life. Islam creates harmony in the mind, the
soul and the body in a marvelous way. The need for Islam emerges from
the humanity’s search for a constitution that provides guidance and
satisfaction in all spheres of life. It is a code of life that is not
limited to partial needs, but rather a way of life that penetrates all
barriers to interact with people’s needs in this life and beyond. It is a
way of life where there is no discrimination between what is sacred and
what is secular.
Islam
is unique among the religions and civilizations the world has known. In
contrast to the other religions of the world, Islam defines religion
itself as the very business of life, the very matter of space-time, the
very process of history, and the gift of Allaah. Therefore, all these
work together to constitute them.
Islam
is a divine guidance wherein humans of all nations, colors and tongues
feel linked to a Supreme Power and Justice. Its teachings are kept
intact and authentic. It is the only way to happiness, dignity, and
universal peace. Islam is so unique in its method for solving the
problems of humanity. I can say with confidence that the twenty first
century will be the century of Islam. The everlasting miracle of Islam,
THE QURAN, is a standing challenge to the intellect of all peoples at
all times. In Islam’s four abiding principles - equality, tolerance,
promotion of science, and solution to the world’s problems - its
universality asserts itself. It calls to all mankind, if only mankind
will listen.
"Then
do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other
than Allaah, they would have found within it much contradiction." [Quran 4:82]
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