Islam, the West and Muslims

A-úthú billáhi minash shaytánir rajím. Bismilláhir Rahmánir Rahím!

[Arabic du’á]

It is a fact that in every Muslim country there are some Muslims who adore the modern world and worship every thing that is western. For those, Modernization means only Westernization. They will always point to its achievement as proof that a civilized society can come into being independently of spiritual convictions, of religious beliefs and moral values, and independently of Prophetic teachings. They will go further and say that this is as it should be; that the foundations of society should rest on knowledge and science, on trade and industry, on political and economic stability, on nationalism and patriotism, on legal and constitutional covenants and orders. They will insist that social progress is related exclusively to modern means and machines, the product of their physical sciences.

The success of the western example, the better material conditions of the western societies, make it certain for these people that man should control and dominate the world, all the forces of nature, to satisfy his material needs. According to these people, the Shari ah and its social structure are nothing but superstition. The real elements of life are perception, experience, profit, nationalism, and freedom.

The champions of this worldview are many. They are found in all parts of the Muslim world and all different levels. The common denominator to all of them is their western education, their loyalty to the western values and of course materialism. They are secular both in ideology and practice. Regarding these propels the Quran says:

” And they say: There is nothing beyond our life in this world, for we shall not be raised form the dead”. ( 6.29).

” and they say : What is the there but our life in this world? We shall die as we come to life, and nothing but Time can destroy us.” But of that they have no knowledge are merely guessing. ( 45.24 )

When Europe embarked on its course of material progress and expansion there was no power to challenge or impede it.

The Church had long since bowed and submitted to the intellectual-political revolt within Christianity. The Islamic East surrendered to its intellectual and political might in the nineteenth century.

The old Seculars of the Muslim world were the products of that dark period of our history, but the new champions are the products of the western educational systems and its missionary educational institutions in our countries. In the old days, colonization was imposed by force, by cannons and solders. But in these days the new colonization is cultural and intellectual.

What is the outcome of this trend? The drama of materialism is coming to its tragic end. Discord and confusion , internal and external are apparent everywhere. Individuals , classes, communities, nations are in desperate competitions with each other.

Self contentment, peace, tranquillity are things of the past. Man is haunted by fear. His soul is restless, anxious, the moral and spiritual emptiness deepens; amid distress, misery and frustration. And yet, there are still people who believe in the western progressiveness and success, who look upon it with envy and respect, even religious esteem.

You who live in the midst of this civilization can see at first hand the anxious unease of the people, and evidence everywhere of decay and degeneration You will observe it typical characteristics in the moral attitude of its political leaders, in the general disregard and neglect of ethical values, in the high rate of crimes and moral offenses.

The state of affairs should make it clear to you that a society not based on Faith is doomed to an evil fate, it may mange to prolong its life a little more but at the end, it is bound to come to tragic end.

The hope, the future and the salvation are in your Faith, in Islam.

Islam possesses the Quran, whose abundant and endless wisdom is an everlasting source of joy and encouragement to man to use all his powers of body, heart, soul and reason, in the way of God and for the benefit of all mankind. This book brought about a mighty revolution in the lives of millions of men and women for fourteen hundred years, it can do so again..

Islam possesses the Sunnah of the Prophet. This record is the most radiant in the life of mankind; it reminds man of his true positions; it revives in him the sense of dignity. Its beauty is such that it cannot but inspire all men to follow it and attain heights of power and purity and peace.

Islam possesses the Shar’ ha which is most perfect jurisprudential system in the world. It combines admirably the ancient and the modern and itself enables the construction, upon its wise and sound foundations, of a healthy social system in every age and clime.

Let me remind you, specially, the young Muslim men and women, residents or students, that you are Muslims and a part of the great Islamic Millah. You are members of one international family, heirs to the one great legacy. I mean by that the brotherhood of the deeply committed servants of Allah. Guard and strengthen your faith. Give precedence to Islam in every circumstance. Study Islam and try to understand as it should be studied and understood . Study the Quran, not only with the aid of commentaries but also with the depth of your hearts and minds. Spend some time whenever you can to study the life of the Prophet and his Sunnah. Purify your intention. Let all your deeds be intended for the sake of Allah – no other consideration whether of fortune, fame or position should prevail. Worldly gain will, come your way according to your ability and application, but take care of your intention so that you may receive the due reward on what you do and remember the Hadith which says: The actions are judged according to intentions, and to every man is due what he intended.

Look into your intentions from time to time, and make it right. The aim and idea behind all your acts should be the pleasure and the favor of Allah and the service of Islam and Muslims. You will, then, Insha Allah, earn the reward equal in value to that of Jihad and some times even to martyrdom. Your effort should be to do every thing with Iman and Ihtisab, which is the confident expectation of Divine reward.

You should also do your study and work as the true representatives of Islam. Assert boldly the tenets of your faith, present a correct image of it and safeguard its teachings, commands and practices. You are the representatives of the best of religions, the one ideally suited to modern times. You need your faith as it needs you. Set a good example to those young men and women coming form Muslim countries who may be shy of being known as Muslims. Appeal to your friends, teachers and neighbors by leading a truly Islamic life of piety, truthfulness, Salat and remembrance of Allah.. History tells us that Islam has drawn to itself countless intellectuals in this way and conquered whole nations and communities without shedding a drop of blood.

Your being in this country is a unique opportunity which you should drive the fullest advantage. Through it , you can also pave the way for the resurgence of Islam and the well being of mankind. Your presence in this land should be a source of strength to your education, your knowledge and your faith.

I pray to Allah to help and protect you all so you will not be among those Muslims who earn an academic position and degree but lose their faith and their Islamic identity.

[du’á in Arabic]

Ameen! Aqeemus Salaah!